UNSUNG heroes who work in the care industry were celebrated at the inaugural Isle of Wight Care Awards.
Run by the Isle of Wight Care Partnership and supported by industry sponsors, the gala event was held at Northwood House, Cowes.
Among the winners was Andreea Buciuman, clinical team leader at Highfield Nursing Home, Ryde, who won the registered nurse of the year award.
Andrea, 30, of Ryde, won the award for her commitment to continued development and training, and her work a new care planning system.
Her manager, Yvonne Lawrence, said she is an excellent role model to all members of staff and is always open to new ideas to improve patient care.
Andreea, who relocated from Romania two years ago, said: "To win the award was quite a surprise and I'm really proud.
"I studied to be a landscape architect and designer before I got into nursing. I think it is my life's vocation, being a nurse.
"A smile or thank you from residents, at a time when they are most vulnerable, makes you feel everything is worthwhile."
The awards attracted over 100 nominations.
The Briars care home, Sandown, which cares for people living with dementia, boasted two successes.
Nicky Shepherd won the registered manager of the year accolade, impressing judges with her passion for ensuring residents at The Briars continued to lead happy, well cared-for lives, alongside the high quality of her leadership.
Bill Wyke, who voluntarily runs the Community Kids project at The Bay Primary School, Sandown, won the hero of the year award. 
He won it for involving pupils in community projects, sharing his passion for gardening and supporting The Briars, by helping maintain its grounds. 
Organisers said the event would be repeated next year.

Results
Access Group Activities organiser of the year award - Emma Dunn (Broadhurst Residential Home, Sandown); Wight Cleaning Supplies care or support worker - Ellymae Turnbull and Linda Meierhans (Brighstone Grange, Brighstone); Triodos Bank deputy manager - Jessica McGovern (The Limes Residential Care Home, Bembridge); Island Environmental Hygiene hero of the year - Bill Wyke (The Briars, Sandown); Nourish Care newcomer of the year - Charlotte Lewis (Sea Gables Residential Home, Shanklin); Chandler & Co registered manager of the year - Nicky Shepherd (The Briars, Sandown); registered nurse of the year - Andreea Buciuman (Highfield Nursing Home, Ryde); chef or cook of the year - Carol Rose (Northbrooke House, Havenstreet).