A NURSE from Herefordshire has won a commendation from the Queen for her service to the profession.

Karen Jamieson, 54, received the honour from Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace on October 11, in front of her proud family.

The award was presented to Karen for her service to nursing in the army.

The mother-of-one has served as an army nurse for 36 years after signing up aged 18 especially to train in the profession.

Karen's sister, Angela Roache, watched proudly as her sister received the award.

She said: "I am so glad I went. It was the proudest day that we will never ever forget."

Around 100 of these ceremonies take place every year, but the Queen only participates in two which made the service extra special, Angela explained.

Karen, who is also qualified in midwifery and has a masters in nursing, has served around the world and has cared for patients in Afghanistan, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Kuwait, Cyrpus and Hong Kong.

She was once described as the 'angel of the aid camps' for her diligent care.

Originally from Wigmore, Karen has trained in a range of areas of nursing and now also teaches nursing graduates at the University of Birmingham.