A HAMPSHIRE midwife has been recognised as one of the best in her profession in the country.

Kim Morley, who helped a mother with epilepsy through a difficult childbirth at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, has now scooped the national title of Midwife of the Year.

The only epilepsy specialist midwife in England, Kim was entered in the Royal College of Midwives' Annual Midwifery Awards by Clair Cobbold.

These awards highlight work done by exceptional midwives across the country and Kim's award particularly recognises care given to mothers.

Clair and her husband, from Surrey, sought out Kim after a poorly supported first labour which led to post-traumatic stress for both parents.

Whilst they had healthy little girl the idea of going through it all again was terrifying and they even tried to adopt a second child.

But they were reassured when they met Kim, from Dibden Purlieu, who helped them with their second child Benjamin who was born last year.

Clair said: “She's incredible and doesn't realise how amazing she is so this is a great way to acknowledge all she has done for us and other women with epilepsy."

She added that Kim had given the reassurance and confidence she needed and her second birth had been an amazing experience.

Awards sponsor Emma’s Diary, a parenting club for expectant and new mums, received a record 671 nominations from mothers across the UK.

All entries were put through a rigorous judging process by a panel of representatives from both the Royal College of Midwifery and Emma’s Diary, culminating in seven regional winners.

Kim, who has built up her experience over the last 16 years, said she was "honoured" to go on to win the national title.

She added: "I am so proud of Clair and her family and find it difficult to articulate just how much this means to me and the service I provide for such a courageous group of women."