A HATHERLEIGH resident and Okehampton vet has beaten thousands of hopefuls to be in the running for a prestigious vet of the year award.

Amy Houldcroft of North Park Veterinary Group in Okehampton has been selected as one of three finalists to win Petplan’s 2017 vet of the year award.

Amy said she was ‘humbled and honoured’ to have been nominated for the title.

She said she was excited by the awards ceremony but was ‘a little nervous’ about attending such a big event.

Down-to-earth Amy cares for animals in the local area including Okehampton, North Tawton and Hatherleigh.

Although she is currently based at the practice in Okehampton, she has previously travelled extensively and carried out much charity veterinary work overseas.

Amy said: ‘I started working at North Park Vets in 2011 before leaving to travel and volunteer overseas for a few years.

‘I spent time in various countries including India, Malawi, Bostswana, the Cook Islands and Galápagos. While travelling I volunteered for a number of different charities.

‘The majority of work mainly focused on dogs, treating them as well as neutering them to help with the over-population problem in many of these countries.

‘I have no idea who nominated me for the award but I feel very honoured.’

The nominations for vet of the year, which remain anonymous, are judged by an independent panel of leading professionals from the veterinary industry, including presidents of the veterinary and nursing associations and previous winners of these awards.

These judges have first-hand experience of life in practice and are able to use their veterinary expertise to judge who the truly outstanding teams and individuals are from the thousands of nominations received each year.

Petplan has worked closely with the veterinary profession for over 40 years and sees first hand each day the fantastic work that goes on in veterinary practices across the UK.

A spokesperson for Petplan said: ‘We recognise that keeping customers happy and pets healthy is a team effort from the receptionist and support staff right through to the vets and nurses themselves.

‘These awards provide an opportunity for pet owners to recognise the hard work and dedication of veterinary staff and say thank you.’

As well as vet of the year there are four other awards up for grabs, including practice of the year, practice manager of the year, practice support staff of the year and vet nurse of the year.

Three finalists have been selected in each category and invited to attend a prestigious award ceremony in Birmingham on Thursday, April 6 where the winners will be announced.