A student midwife has been nominated for a prestigious national award, one of only ten from across the country.

Jacqueline Gray is a third-year midwifery student at Southend Hospital and Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

She is in the running for the yearly Student Nursing Times Awards, celebrating the best in midwifery and nursing.

On her nomination, Ms Gray said: "My cohort have become like my lifelong friends.

"We are all so excited to become midwives and continue looking after women and birthing people and their families like we would our own."

Annaliese Bradley, student lead for midwifery at Southend Hospital with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust praised Miss Gray.

She said: "Jacqueline's nomination is a testament to her exceptional skills.

"Her positive attitude and dedication to her fellow students and patients is truly inspiring."

Echo: Jacqueline Gray is a third-year midwifery student at Southend Hospital and Anglia Ruskin University

Carinna Griffiths, midwifery lecturer and Ms Gray's tutor at ARU, lauded the student’s dedication.

Ms Griffiths said: "Jacqueline has always been a shining star throughout her training.

"Her positivity, dedication, and commitment to the women and families within her care is admirable."

The trust and ARU partnership has enabled 56 student midwives, including Ms Gray, to secure placements at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust’s hospitals at Southend, Basildon and Broomfield.

The Student Nursing Times Award winners will be announced on April 26 at a ceremony in London.