A NURSE who cares for cancer patients has reached the finals of a national award.

Clare Brookes, 35, a Marie Curie nurse who cares for patients in the Newcastle area, has been selected for England's Marie Curie/Clinton Cards Nurse of the Year 2001 title.

If she is successful, Mrs Brookes will have the opportunity to raise the profile of Marie Curie Cancer Care's home nursing service, hospices and research work by becoming an ambassador for the charity's 3,000-plus English nurses. In effect, she would become the "face" of Marie Curie for England.

The mother-of-two, from Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, cares for cancer patients in their own homes. The service is free to patients, who are usually referred by district nurses or GPs.

She said: "It would be an honour to be chosen. If more people knew about Marie Curie, it would be easier to get donations and more people would use the service. I would like to help more to get the message across."

Ebbie Holland, Marie Curie area nurses manager for the North said: "I consider Clare would be a good ambassador for the charity. She has shown great commitment to Marie Curie Cancer Care since she was employed. She is motivated, reliable and works hard."

Last week, Mrs Brookes joined other finalists in London for a two-day media training and judging session.

A winner for each UK county will be announced in early May, to coincide with Nurses' Day.

A spokeswoman for Marie Curie Cancer Care said: "The winners become the public face of the charity."

The award is being sponsored by Clinton Cards and winners will receive a trip for two to Paris, a £300 bursary, personal grooming vouchers, flowers and champagne.

As part of the sponsorship, Clinton Cards will donate 25 per cent of every Nurses' Day card sold to Marie Curie Cancer Care.