A South West Wales RSPCA officer has been recognised with a special award for her service to animals.

Ellie West, RSPCA animal collection officer, has been recognised by the charity with the special Jeanne McBride Award, as part of its annual ‘Honours’ event.

ACO West has been involved in a series of high-profile and dramatic rescues and collections, as part of her work to keep animals in South West Wales safe.

She was one of 29 winners at the awards this year, and was one of a handful of RSPCA officers to be recognised, each of whom has gone the extra mile for animals.

Michael Ward, RSPCA interim chief executive officer, said: “ACO Ellie West dedicates so much of her life to animals; and gives much of her personal time, as well as professional, to promoting their welfare.

“From rescuing a lost cat from Pembroke Castle, to rehabilitating otters, and saving a swan from a Swansea shopping centre, Ellie has dealt with some fascinating rescues; and clearly makes South West Wales a better place for animals to live.

“Ellie’s commitment and dedication to the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife is particularly impressive, and it’s no surprise to so often see her brilliant work featured in Wales and UK media.

“The RSPCA Jeanne McBride Award recognises Ellie’s special merit in carrying out her duties over the last year, for which I know her chief inspector, Romain DeKerchove is rightly proud.”

After receiving the award, Ms West said: “I’m so very touched to be recognised with this award, and very proud my work means so much to people - and hopefully the animals, too!

“But, as far as I’m concerned, I’m just doing my job. I feel like the luckiest person in the world to be doing this job, and to spend my time with so many amazing creatures.

“I love working with all animals, but wildlife is my biggest passion - and it was a great honour to support the rehabilitation and release of many wild animals throughout 2016.”