A VET who swapped the rural dales to help animals in Sri Lanka has been nominated for a prestigious award.

Janey Lowes, originally of Barnard Castle, in Teesdale, is in the running for an Animal Hero Award which recognises and celebrate the most inspiring examples of bravery, dedication and resilience in the animal world.

The Daily Mirror and RSPCA will pick the most inspiring animals along with the individuals and teams who have shown outstanding commitment to improving their lives at this year’s ceremony, on September 7.

Celebrity guests will include Alesha Dixon and Paul O’Grady while Amada Holden will be host.

The twelve categories include Hero Animal of the Year and Vet of the Year.

Miss Lowes is nominated for Vet of the Year after she gave up her job to set up charity, WeCare Worldwide, which treats sick and injured street dogs, cats and monkeys in Sri Lanka.

In 2015 WECare Worldwide neutered almost 900 dogs and cats, vaccinated 1,300 dogs, cats and monkeys against rabies and treated more than 400 sick and injured animals.

Miss Lowes became the first vet to receive a Points of Light award, an award presented by the Prime Minister to volunteers who make positive changes in their community, earlier this year.

RSPCA chief executive Jeremy Cooper said: ‘We are proud to support the Animal Hero Awards as this is a wonderful event celebrating the special bond between people and animals.”

For more information visit animalheroawards.co.uk