AN ARTISTIC nurse who brightens up the lives of residents at a nursing home near Milford Haven is in the running for a top social care award.

Mandy Zatac, who joined the staff of Rickeston Mill Nursing Home 12 months ago, has created a series of colourful murals included a sea-themed lounge and a corner dedicated to film star Marilyn Monroe.

On October 21 she will attend a ceremony at City Hall, Cardiff, where the annual Wales Care Awards will be presented.

The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional standards in the care sector and Mandy, 40, has been nominated in the category for Excellence in Dementia Care, which is sponsored by FISC Healthcare.

Born and brought up locally, she worked for 16 years at Withybush Hospital, where she was a senior sister. During that time she was also a bank nurse at Rickeston.

In June, 2015, she moved to work full-time at Rickeston as Clinical Lead and, according to manager Susan Foster, who nominated her for the award, played a key role in changes which have been introduced.

“Staff and relatives alike have suggested that Mandy has that something extra special about her and her way of working that seems to enhance the quality of life of our residents, and for that reason we decided that she should be recognised for the work she does,” said Susan.

“Mandy goes above and beyond her role within the home and will often go shopping for residents on her way home from work at night or before her shift starts in the morning to ensure that they have everything they want or need.”

The success of the murals has come as a huge surprise to Mandy herself.

“I was always rubbish at art in school but I thought I’d have a go because I wanted to brighten the place up, and if I didn’t do it nobody would,” she said.

“Susan helped me and everyone seemed to like it so we’ve done virtually all the walls now.”