A HAMPSHIRE nurse has won a prestigious award.

Diane Waddington scooped the Bank Nurses prize at the 2014 Nurses Awards for permanent or temporary staff who work flexible hours at NHS Trusts.

Judges awarded the gong to Diane, from Ringwood, for her “commitment, work ethic and ability to inspire and encourage those around her”.

She was nominated by colleague Vicky Melville, community matron at Avon Valley Community Care Team, and celebrated with a rap about her work in her acceptance speech.

Diane said: “It’s a surprise. I’m shocked and delighted to accept this award as Bank Nurse of the year.

“Being a Bank nurse gives me real flexibility in many aspects of my life and I work as many hours as I want.

“It also allows me to work in a variety of different places and to supervise different sessions or work with a new group of people.”

Diane is now semi-retired after working as a district nurse and community practice teacher for more than 20 years.