A nurse who started her career at 17 has been awarded one of the highest accolades of the profession after 50 years of dedication.

Marian Malley, 67, is celebrating half a century as a nurse by being awarded the title of 'Queen's Nurse' for her high level of commitment to patient care.

The advanced nurse practitioner, who works for Irwell Medical Practice in Bacup, received her Queen’s Nurse award during an online ceremony last month where she received a thank you, in a pre-recorded message, from Prince Charles.

Marian said: “I am obviously delighted and extremely honoured to get this award, it’s a great honour. My career as a nurse has been so rewarding. I have loved every minute of working in both a hospital setting and within primary care. I have especially loved my time working at Irwell Medical Centre.

“My patients are at the heart of everything I do, I am so proud that I get to help so many lovely people improve their health and wellbeing.”

A Queen’s Nurse is someone who is committed to high standards of practice and patient-centred care.

The Queen’s Nurse Institute supports innovation and best practice, in order to improve care for patients. Queen’s nurses are recognised as nursing leaders and champions of excellence in practice.

Dr Kate Ealing, GP partner at Irwell Medical Practice, said: “We are so very proud of Marian, and the dedication and commitment she has shown to her patients. We couldn’t wish for a lovelier person to work within our nursing team. She is a true credit to primary care nursing and nurses everywhere.”

Her nursing career began in 1972 in North Manchester with her nurse training at what was then known as Crumpsall Hospital – now North Manchester General Hospital.

Once qualified, Marian held a dual role for a number of years within the hospital as well as working in a general practice in Manchester.

For many years Marian was a day sister on a surgical vascular ward before becoming a night sister.

She has been at Irwell Medical Centre for seven years.