A NURSE who attended the world's first heart transplant operation during a career spanning 65 years has been honoured at the National Care Awards.

Baby Cox, of Northallerton, North Yorkshire, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement award by former BBC reporter and Strictly Come Dancing contestant John Sergeant at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in London.

Organisers of the ceremony said Mrs Cox received the longest standing ovation of any care award in its 12-year history.

The 78-year-old former nurse at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, was nominated for the accolade by Beechwood Care Home, in Romanby, where she continues to care for patients part-time, three months after her retirement.

A spokesman for the care home said Mrs Cox, who moved to North Yorkshire in 1981, was an inspiration to patients and that her dedication and compassion was a shining example to all the staff.

The awards’ judges interviewed the Swaziland-born nurse about her career, which included looking after 125 leprosy sufferers aged 13.

Mrs Cox said: “I am very much humbled by the award, I never thought I would stand a chance. I am a big Strictly fan, so it was out of this world to meet John Sergeant.

“However, the award is not mine, it is for the people I am looking after and the people of the North.”