A TREDEGAR care worker took part in a gruelling mountain challenge to raise funds to buy Christmas treats for the people he cares for.

Care worker Andy Spittle, 48, has become a real life secret Santa, after donating all £300 of his sponsorship money to buy presents for the patients he cares for on a daily basis.

He is a support worker at nursing home Maes-y-Dderwen in Tredegar, a twenty four bed transitional service which helps younger adults and older people come to terms and live better with mental illness.

Mr Spittle took part in the 30 mile Brecon Mountain Challenge in September and says he was astounded and ‘very chuffed’ to collect £300 in sponsorship, which he has donated to people living in Maes-y-Dderwen.

The ongoing aim of the service is to encourage people to live more independently with support from home carers.

He said: “Spending time here, we do get to know the people we look after really well. Some of them have a good amount of support from their families.

“But there are some people here who need that little extra. This money will go on things for them - theatre trips and a few extra presents on Christmas Day.”