A RISCA veterinary nurse has completed an advanced course, winning an award from her college.

Rachel Perry, who is the head veterinary nurse at Alphavets, recently returned to college to study a diploma in clinical veterinary nursing.

Mrs Perry, 25, who qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2007, started the two year course at Myserscough College in Preston in 2009.

She gained a distinction and was given the Myserscough School of Veterinary Nursing award for her hard work.

Mrs Perry said it was difficult maintaining the balance between work and studying.

"You lose your social life but it was worthwhile. I was surprised to get the distinction, it's brilliant," she said.

Mrs Perry, from Bettws, trained from scratch at Alphavets having joined there at the age of 18 after finishing her A-Levels.

She said: "I always wanted to work with animals. The plan was to go to university but this position came up to work at the same time like an apprenticeship."

Margaret Horner, practice manager at Alphavets, said: "We're extremely proud of her and it's so nice to see one of our juniors come good and become an excellent nurse."

Mrs Perry is now considering studying a diploma in advanced veterinary nursing at the same college in September.