A new cohort of student nurses are eagerly awaiting the start of their degree placements at local hospitals including Broomfield and St Peter's in Maldon.

A total of 80 student nurses from the University of Essex are set to begin their work placements across Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to help improve the lives of local people and become the future face of nursing.

The new recruits will be taking up the placements from March.

One of the students, Amy West, said it had taken her eight years to make the decision to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse -and the pandemic has given her the push she needed. She had previously worked privately in cosmetics and plastic surgery. The 31-year-old, from Wickford, is hoping to work in constructive and plastic surgery.

She said: "This was a natural progression, as in my previous career I felt like I could offer a lot more than what I was. Lockdown has given me that last little bit of inspiration to do the course and fulfil my ambition.

"The Trust has been amazing in letting us continue learning during the pandemic. I just can't wait to get going and find what role is the most suitable and start giving something back to people."

Liz Summers, professional and commissioned education lead, said she was looking forward to welcoming the first year students to the Trust.

"We very much look forward to supporting them throughout their three year degree course. At the end of their studies, the hope is to recruit them and help keep nursing talent in Essex. As one of the largest Trusts in the country we've got an amazing range of opportunities across our hospital sites."

When they begin placements at the start of March, the students will be working alongside dedicated nursing staff from a variety of paediatric and adult care teams.