A MOTHER-of-two from the North-East has been named the Marie Curie Nurse of the Year.

Jayne Unwin, who cares for cancer patients in their homes, will spend next year as an ambassador for the charity.

The 34-year-old, from Ingleby Barwick, Teesside, received her prize from Cathy Shipton, who plays popular staff nurse Lisa "Duffy" Duffin in TV's Casualty, at a ceremony in London.

"It feels brilliant to have won, it's such a great opportunity," she said. "I am looking forward to the next year when I can act as an ambassador for the charity, and help raise the profile of the work we do.

"My job is hard but it's rewarding so that makes up for the fact that it can sometimes be upsetting. It's very important for people who are terminally ill to be at home."

Mrs Unwin was a nurse at West Lane Hospital in Middlesbrough before being contracted to Marie Curie two years ago.

She was accompanied to the ceremony by her husband, Steven, 35, and sons Thomas, 11, and nine-year-old Jonathon.

As well as the award, she also won a weekend break for two in London, a £300 bursary, vouchers, flowers and champagne.

She added: "It is important that patients and their families are aware of the work we do.

"I am so pleased to have been given this opportunity to represent the charity and my Marie Curie Nursing colleagues."

Mrs Unwin was selected from more than 1,800 Marie Curie Cancer Care nurses in England, including 278 based in the North.