AN Airedale Hospital nurse has been highly commended in a coveted awards scheme.

Kelly Hayes-Head was recognised in the Patients' Choice Awards, staged by the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS).

Patients voted online for health care professionals who had gone above and beyond to help people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of inflammatory arthritis.

Kelly, a senior rheumatology nurse, had no idea she'd been nominated for the award.

"I was amazed, very proud and emotional when I found out," she added.

"It was a complete surprise that from all the rheumatology nurses in the country, I was chosen from our small district hospital in West Yorkshire.

"We have a great small team looking after around 2,000 patients and our service is developing all the time.

"We're always keen to try new ideas and ways of working which will make it a better experience for our patients."

She will receive her award at the Houses of Parliament on November 2.

Debbie Cook, NASS chief executive, said: "As a society we often hear about the wonderful work of rheumatology nurses in supporting people with AS.

"Kelly's award is a fine example of a nurse going above and beyond to support her patients."