The Blue Cross has presented its Veterinary Nurse of the Year award to Rebecca Darbyshire for her outstanding contribution to animal welfare, both within her veterinary practice and among the local community in Pocklington, York.

The award was presented during the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA) annual congress in Kettering, Northamptonshire on Saturday 11 October by BBC wildlife presenter Steve Leonard and The Blue Cross director of veterinary services, Christian Bamber.

This award celebrates the significant contribution made by a veterinary nurse in both educating the public and promoting the welfare of pets in the community. Veterinary surgeons and members of the public all over the country were invited to nominate a nurse who they felt had made an important contribution to their local community.

Christian Bamber explained: "This annual award is an opportunity for The Blue Cross to applaud the dedication and hard work of veterinary nurses across the UK. Rebecca's compassion and kindness towards pet owners in her local community has led to a deeper understanding of and commitment to animal welfare in her area. We congratulate Rebecca for winning this year's award and for her tireless enthusiasm and cheer which is so appreciated by the pets and their owners at her Yorkshire practice.

Rebecca was nominated by vet and colleague Matt Brash at Battlefields veterinary clinic in Pocklington.

Mr Brash said: "Rebecca is an outstanding, unassuming professional nurse. She runs all of the clinics that a modern day nurse does, but still has the time for anybody - whatever they need, whenever they need it. She has developed such a close relationship with our clients that they would often rather see her than a vet!"

Rebecca said: "It was a total surprise to find out I had won this year's award. I had no idea I'd even been nominated and I've never won anything before. I've been a veterinary nurse for more than 14 years and I really, really enjoy it. It just gets better as time goes on!"

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