FIVE former nursing assistants have returned to work in medical centres in County Durham after qualifying as nurses.

Catherine Lee Cowan gained a Diploma in Social Work and a degree in Learning Disability Nursing and is working in the community team for learning disabilities in Durham.

Richard Parkin gained an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and is a staff nurse with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services team in Darlington.

Pauline Lowerie gained an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and is a staff nurse at the Pierremont Unit in Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Gareth Colling gained an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and is a staff nurse at Homelands Hospital in Crook.

Amanda Allen has an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and is working with the substance misuse team at The Elmfield, Darlington.