A DEDICATED Wee County nurse has been honoured for her 40 years of service to the NHS.

Irene Warnock was one of a number of staff members whose careers were commended during a special award ceremony at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital on Friday, January 25.

After picking up her Long Service Award, she said she has enjoyed "every day that I have been a nurse".

Speaking about how she got into the profession, Irene, from Clackmannan, said: "When I started nursing you had to apply to the actual hospital, so I purchased a writing pad and sent a letter away to every hospital in Scotland."

Since that fateful day writing her applications, she has gone on to work in a number of roles, including as a staff nurse, district nurse and as an advanced nurse practitioner.

She added: "There are many avenues you can go down, and I've been really fortunate that I've got into project work and it's something that I've really enjoyed.

"I would encourage any young person to take the opportunity to become a nurse.

"It's a great career and can take you anywhere, I also think to go on and become a district nurse and be welcomed into someone's home is a fantastic opportunity and something that lives with you all your life."

Irene continued: "Nursing is a great career for anyone to enter, and I have thoroughly enjoyed every shift, every day that I have been a nurse.

"I wake up every day thinking that I'll make a difference whether it's with patients, staff, senior colleagues - whoever it may be.

"Every day is a fantastic opportunity."