Vet nurse of the year
Sam Shand, a veterinary nurse form Lincolnshire, has been awarded with the Blue Cross's Veterinary Nurse of the Year award.
Sam, who works at Quarrington Veterinary Surgery in Sleaford, educates children about animal welfare and raises money for several local charities in her spare time.
The award was presented at the BVNA Congress in Telford, Shropshire, by BVNA president, Claire Fraser, and Blue Cross community vet nurse, Stephanie Byers.
Sam was nominated by her colleagues at the surgery where she works. She said: "When I heard I was this year's winner I was completely gobsmacked. The news came totally out-of-the-blue and I was very moved and even quite tearful! It is so nice to get this recognition, not just for me but for all of the practice."
Head of veterinary services at the Blue Cross, Wendy Adams, said: "Our award recognises the hard work and commitment of vet nurses across the UK. They are the unsung heroes of animal welfare and many of them go the extra mile, working tirelessly to look after sick and injured pets and educate their communities about animal care.
"Congratulations to Sam who really deserves to be this year's winner."
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
