Nurse Jan Boot has collected her Unsung Heroes award after missing the ceremony because she was on holiday.

The colorectal cancer nurse specialist, 55, who works at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital was taking a well-earned break in the Isles of Scilly when she found out she had won the trophy and £500 prize.

Jan said: “I was absolutely gob-smacked and really disappointed I was not there at the awards ceremony.”

Daily Echo editor-in-chief Neal Butterworth presented the Echo-backed award to Jan’s daughter and colleague in her absence at the Royal Bath Hotel.

The grandmother, who has worked at the hospital for more than 30 years and been in her current role for 15, supports newly diagnosed bowel cancer patients and helps them and their families through treatment and aftercare.

She was nominated by many patients, colleagues and members of the public because of the standard of care and support she provides and the friendly way she does so.

Jan added: “I know some of my patients really well and see some of them socially as part of a support group.

“I just try to make their experience as stress free as possible and keep them well informed so that it’s easier to cope.

“I owe a huge thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to complete the forms and nominate me. I am still totally and utterly shocked.”