FIVE former nursing assistants have returned to work in medical centres across County Durham after qualifying as nurses.

Catherine Lee Cowan was a learning disabilities health care assistant at Earls House Hospital, in Durham, but after studying for a diploma in social work and a degree in Learning Disability Nursing, she is now working in the community team for learning disabilities in Durham.

Richard Parkin was a support worker for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), and after gaining an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing is now a staff nurs in Darlington.

Pauline Lowerie was a nursing assistant in the Pierremont Unit in Darlington and has returned as a staff nurse with an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing.

Gareth Colling has gained an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health Nursing and is working as a staff nurse at Homelands Hospital, in Crook.

Previously, he was employed as a support worker at The Gables in Sedgefield.

Former learning disabilities health care assistant Amanda Allen gained an Advanced Diploma in Mental Health and is now working with the substance misuse team at The Elmfield in Darlington.

All five studied at the University of Teesside,supported by Durham and Darlington Priority Services NHS Trust.