A VET from Durham has been shortlisted as one of Britain's best.
Rachel Smith, 28, who works for the city's Vets4Pets, was chosen from hundreds of entries across the UK in Petplan Veterinary Awards.
She is competing for the title of Veterinary Nurse of the Year and could win £1,000 in Virgin vouchers
Ms Smith has been qualified for seven years and joined Vets4Pets in March 2003. She has recently been made a partner of the practice.
Her role involves running the puppy parties as well as working beyond her scheduled hours.
Known as the Oscars of the Veterinary World, the final is being held at the Botanical Gardens, in Birmingham, on April 7.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article