A BRITISH nurse killed by stampeding elephants during a visit to Malawi was honoured last night with a top award.

Pauline Stratton, 54, of Carlisle, Cumbria, died in May while on a trip to the Liwondi National Park to train other nurses.

Last night, her daughter, Michele Snaith, from York, picked up the Nursing Standard Nurse 2003 Award on her behalf, presented by Health Secretary John Reid.

A tearful Mrs Snaith, 36, said her family were very proud of their mother's achievements and were honoured to receive the award.

"I'm really chuffed. I feel very honoured and proud and I think I'm going to cry," she said.

"I didn't know much about all the work my mum was doing before she died. She was very quiet and did not blow her own trumpet.

"She would be laughing that we are going through this. She would have hated all the attention but I think she would be pleased that her work was being recognised."

She said her brother James, 33, and father, Chris, were very proud of what her mother had done.

"I would like to visit the hospital and see the work that she did, but not yet," said Mrs Snaith.

"It is only six months since mum died and it's still a bit raw."

Clare McKenzie shared the award with Mrs Stratton, who helped to establish a link between Cumberland Infirmary, in Carlisle, and an orthopaedic hospital in Blantyre where they shared skills with local nurses.