A WOMAN from Hatherleigh has not only qualified with a diploma in animal management — she has now been named as best student by a Somerset college.

Kirstie Rockett, aged 18, has just completed a two- year course at Bridgwater College, where she studied for a level three extended diploma in the subject. Her hard work was rewarded when she gained three straight distinction stars for her efforts.

Kirstie, a former Okehampton College pupil, was also awarded the Margaret Wilcox Memorial cup for the college's top practical student 2012.

She has just returned from a month in South Africa where she stayed as a volunteer at the Khulula Care for Wild Rehabilitation Centre. While there she hand-fed baby rhinos and white lion cubs and enjoyed a fantastic time visiting the Kruger national park.

There was more good news for Kirstie as she has just secured a job as an animal care assistant with The Cinnamon Trust at Lewdown.

Her family and friends wish her good luck with her new job and would like to say a 'big thank' you to all the teachers at Okehampton College who gave Kirstie the help she needed to help her towards her achievements.