A DEDICATED nurse has been presented with a prestigious award at a London ceremony.

Debbie Howarth is a practice nurse at Whittaker Lane Medical Centre and was nominated for the coveted Queen’s Nurses Award to reflect her professional commitment over the last 20 years.

There are just 820 nurses in England, Wales and North Ireland who have the award and Debbie was the first to be earn it while working for Bury Clinical Commissioning Group.

Debbie, aged 45, initially trained at Fairfield General Hospital in 1997 and has worked at the Whittaker Lane surgery since 2004, where there are 6,500 patients on the books.

The award is given to ‘pioneers of nursing excellence who are often called upon to contribute to policy and practice development and as experts who are shadowed by some of the most senior figures in healthcare policy'.

Debbie received her special certificate at the Queen's Nursing Institute's autumn awards ceremony at the Royal Garden Hotel in London on November 9.

Whittaker Lane Practice manager Jo Panter said: "Debbie has had many years of service as a nurse and the award is a reflection of the hard work and dedication she has put in over that time.

"She has a very caring nature and is a popular member of staff.

"It is very rare for community nurse to receive this award and it’s a reflect of how highly valued Debbie is."

Debbie said: "It was wonderful to be nominated and I really enjoyed the awards ceremony.

"I am thrilled to have won the award and am pleased to work at such a great surgery."