A BETWS care home chef is hoping to cook up a double family success by following in her mum's footsteps and winning a top award.

Lisa Anderson, 28, who works in the kitchen alongside her mother at Cartref Annwyl Fan care home in Woodlands Park, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Wales Care Award.

In 2011 and 2013 her mother Jayne Lee, the head chef, received a remarkable double gold for her catering skills. Residents particularly look forward to mother and daughter's mouth-watering cakes, the pair's interest in baking having begun at an early age.

Held in the Welsh capital, the annual Wales Care Awards showcase the cream of the talent in an increasingly important sector.

Adele Williams, general manager of the Hallmark home, said: "Lisa has worked at the home for five years and has developed into an excellent cook.

"The residents and team would like to nominate Lisa. She makes exceptional meals for the residents and everyone enjoys her food. Her meals are tasty, well-presented and nutritious.

"She has an excellent understanding of our residents' varied needs and ensures all needs are catered for. Lisa really cares about the residents."

Lisa smiled: "I took cookery at GCSE and it was the only subject I really liked in school. I've had jobs where I have always been surrounded by food."

She enjoys reading cook books and watching TV's Masterchef. But Lisa's main mentor has been her mother.

Working to a budget, they still manage to ensure an enjoyable dining experience for the residents and make sure it's a big part of their day. In a care home there are particular challenges due to dietary requirements.

Lisa, of Waterloo Road, Penygroes, said: "Every day we do home baking. Cakes are my speciality.

"I also go around and talk to residents and get their feedback. I have had an exciting twelve months. The care awards are being presented the day after my first wedding anniversary.

"I am hoping to follow in the footsteps of my mum. She is very proud I have got through."

She added: "I love the work I do. I couldn't be sitting behind a desk."

Champions of the care sector will be honoured at City Hall in Cardiff on Friday, November 6, when the award winners are announced.

Lisa has been nominated for the Excellence in Catering Award, sponsored by Woodwards Foods.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

"It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement."