DR Doolittle has met his match in Warrington veterinary nurse Cathy Preedy, who is not just a friend to the animals but also to their owners.

Cathy, who lives in Chester but works at Elliot's Veterinary Centre in Grappenhall, was nominated for The Blue Cross and The Society for Companion Animal Studies' veterinary nurse of the year award.

And, despite being up against almost 11,000 entrants from across the United Kingdom, Cathy came out on top.

She was nominated by Deborah Bell, whose mother is a client at the veterinary centre.

Deborah's mother has suffered severe ill health for the past two years and Cathy has been caring for her west highland terrier, Arran.

Deborah said: "Cathy has exceeded her professional duties ten-fold.

"She comes to pick up Arran when she needs the vet and spends hours of her own time reassuring my mother.

"I believe quite strongly that my mother's health would have deteriorated more rapidly were it not for Cathy, as Arran means the world to her."

Cathy said: "I have been a veterinary nurse for 14 years and I am thrilled to get an award for a job that I enjoy so much.

"Looking after Arran and her owner is a pleasure."