BROMSGROVE Paralympian Lauren Rowles was guest of honour as she presented the awards at an Olympic style ceremony for NHS staff.

The former North Bromsgrove High School pupil, who rowed her way to victory with gold in the mixed double sculls at the Rio Paralympics, handed over the trophies at the Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust's awards ceremony, held at Tree Tops Pavilion in the West Midland Safari Park, Bewdley.

Lauren has herself received treatment from physiotherapists working for the Trust.

And, among the trophies she presented, was the "Patient Choice Award", won by Ivanna Giles, a paediatric physiotherapist who visits patients in Bromsgrove as part of her work helping children who need help with pain management.

Mrs Giles was nominated by Jane Mulvale and her 12-year-old daughter, Elise, from Worcester, in recognition of the help and support the paediatric physiotherapist has given to their family.

Jane and Elise wrote in their nomination: "Ivanna is so thoughtful and caring and will do so many little things which many other people would overlook, which make such a difference to everyday life for Elise.

"It would be a travesty if this inspirational lady did not receive an award."

Elise told her mother: "Please write the letter in time Mum. I want Ivanna to get an award so I can do something to thank her from my heart because, although I have kind doctors and nurses, nobody could ever know or understand the difference Ivanna has made."

Sarah Dugan, chief executive of Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, said: “Huge congratulations to all the winners but as I said on the night I can’t stress enough how much of an achievement it is to be nominated and then shortlisted.

"It was a really tough year for the panel to judge and this is in itself a reflection of our wonderfully committed and dedicated staff who work so hard to provide the very best service they can to those in our care.”