An Amman Valley teen who cares for her gran while competing a full-time college course has scooped gold in a Wales-wide social care competition.

Laura Davies, from Garnant, won the Health and Social Care trophy – a Welsh Government-backed competition aimed at boosting skills levels across the country.

Laura Davies, 17, is currently studying a full-time Level Two BTEC in Health and Social Care at Coleg Sir Gâr but has also been caring for grandmother Joan Bale for the last four years.

The competition saw Laura and 10 other students given the role of caring for a lady who had recently had a stroke and was struggling with her balance.

The competitors had to carry out a morning routine, including making breakfast, giving medication and helping the lady get dressed. The judges were looking for signs of respect, confidentiality and a gentle nature.

“I supported the actress I was caring for to help maintain her dignity and treat her with respect,” said Laura.

“I did this by doing the little things such as calling her Mrs Jones giving her choices on what she wanted to eat and wear.

“The judges said I was a natural and if they needed a carer they’d choose me which was such a confidence boost.

“In the future I’d like to develop my skills and eventually become a midwife. I’d need to carry on to a two-year Level Three course and then go on to university. It would be fulfilling to care for people through that special time in their lives.”

Laura will now go forward to represent Coleg Sir Gâr in the WorldSkills UK Health and Social Care competition with the aim of representing Team Wales at this year's Skills Show in Birmingham in November.

“I really enjoy my course because it teaches me that it’s important to support people and treat them with respect,” said Laura.

“I’ve also recently applied for a sign language course, to add another string to my bow and so I’m able to communicate with deaf people.”

Deputy Minister for Skills and Technology, Julie James AM said: “We wish Laura and all the other finalists and winners the very best of luck, not only in the next round of the competitions, but also in the careers they go on to pursue.”

Grandma Joan said she was very proud of Laura’s achievements.