A head chef has won a top award for her work in an Ottery care home.

Michelle Strode, who leads the team at King's Manor, won the best chef category at this year's Great British Care South West awards.

She will now represent the South West in the national competition next year.

Mrs Strode said she did not take in the fact her name had been called.

The head chef says wants to serve food with a 'family touch' and was grateful she had the opportunity to serve up fresh dishes to the residents.

She said: "I think there were quite a few applications. It is all the care homes in the area. I didn't even realise it was me, it got to our category and someone said that's you.

"For me, family was always stood around the kitchen and I wanted to bring that into the care home and people enjoy their food and it's colourful and it smells and tastes good.

"We make things from scratch and use fresh ingredients and I am lucky that the company allows me to do that.

"I'm really proud. It's quite nice. I have been doing this a little while now and it's nice the company nominated me and I have been chosen by an external board."