A MEMORIAL plaque has been unveiled to a former Thirsk nurse who helped to create Uruguay’s nursing service.

Hannah Packer is credited with being a driving force in the medical history of the South American country.

A virtual unknown in her home town she is revered in Uruguay for her work in the 19th century.

To mark her place in world history the Thirsk and Sowerby Blue Plaque committee have put one up for Hannah Packer on her old home.

Councillor Janet Watson, of Thirsk Town Council, said: "It is a big honour to unveil a plaque to her and it was a lovely ceremony.

"She made quite a big impact in South America and I think it was absolutely fantastic of her to go out to Uruguay when she did as it will have been a major step."

Quaker Hannah Packer was born in 1841 and lived on Kirkgate before training as a nurse.

She married a Scottish doctor Francis Davison and the duo moved to South America in the 19th century.

They moved to the Uruguayan lawless gold mining town of Minas de Corrales where she worked as a nurse and midwife.

She died in 1930 aged 89 but her work lived on to help with the creation of the nursing profession in Uruguay.

Locals in Uruguay are so grateful for her efforts that in 2006 they re-named the Hospital of Minas de Corrales the Hospital Ana Packer.

Catriona Holson, of Bradford, whose father Bill Hayes farms near to Minas de Corrales, was there too.

Mr Hayes had been in contact with the town council about Hannah Packer’s Uruguayan influence in the build up to the unveiling.

Hannah Packer’s plaque is one of 20 memorial plaques placed in Thirsk and neighbouring Sowerby to mark famous sons and daughters of the towns.