A veterinary nursing student from the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) has been named Student Veterinary Nurse of the Year at the Agria Veterinary Community Awards. Susan Houston, who is from Newtownabbey, was chosen from three CAFRE finalists for the national honour.

Alice Collins and Darcy Feeney were also shortlisted, after all three students were nominated by members of the public. Claire Morris, acting programme manager for veterinary nursing at CAFRE, said having three finalists highlighted the exceptional standard and dedication of the college's learners.

Ms Houston is employed at Gleno Veterinary Centre near Larne and has more than 20 years of experience in practice. She began her CAFRE training on the Level 2 Veterinary Care Assistant course before progressing to the Level 3 Diploma in Veterinary Nursing. She completed her studies earlier this year.

She said she had been nominated for the award before but never won, and described receiving it as a real highlight of her student journey.

CAFRE continues to deliver Level 2 Veterinary Care and Level 3 Veterinary Nursing courses, supporting students across Northern Ireland to enter the animal health sector.