Carers from across the UK took part in a photo competition called #GladtoCare run by Person Centred Software and The Care Workers Charity.

Alice Taylor, a cook at Primrose Lodge Southbourne care home in Bournemouth, won a Haven holiday in the competition.

The winning entry was a photo of Ms Taylor cooking and her message: ‘I’m #GladtoCare making home-cooked food daily for my residents and have been for 17 years.’

David Brindle, the Guardian’s public services editor, Care England’s Professor Martin Green OBE, Vic Rayner, executive director of the National Care Forum and Alex Rumamurthy, former CEO of the Care Workers Charity were the esteemed panel of judges who selected the winning entry.

Mr Rayner said: “I really like Alice’s entry as I felt that it gave you a real sense of pride, commitment and long-term career. Here is someone who has provided one of the key components of great care – good food – for seventeen years – and at the end of that time is not only still smiling – but is #GladtoCare – inspiring.”

The competition was designed to boost carer profiles who work hard with very little public recognition.

It is aimed to show carers that they are appreciated and to raise their morale. Carers were invited to take a photo of themselves doing something that makes them ‘glad to care’ along with a message describing the photo.

The finalists can be viewed on Person Centred Software’s website by clicking here.