DEDICATED vet Sasha Farr has been shortlisted in a national competition to find the Vet of the Year.

Ms Farr, a senior vet at Wilson's Veterinary Surgery, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, has been named as one of the three finalists in the Petplan Vet of the year awards.

Organisers have been scouring surgeries across the country for the past four months to find the best nurse, veterinary receptionist and practice.

Ms Farr, who qualified in New Zealand, said she was overwhelmed when she found out that she was shortlisted.

She said: "I was absolutely and completely overwhelmed when they rang to tell me.

"This is not about me, it is about the practice. If I was not a member of a good practice, this would not be possible.''

She has been praised for her dedication. Ms Farr has been at the Tenter Street practice for three years and specialises in successfully helping animals which had previously been unable to breed.

She also has specialist skills in orthopaedic surgery and spends time producing information leaflets and giving talks on animal care.

The winner will be announced on April 3 and, if Ms Farr is successful, she will win a trophy and £1,000 in Virgin vouchers.