A WOMAN says she was shocked when she received an invite to an evening reception at Buckingham Palace celebrating nurses.

Carole Harris, the manager of The Lawns Nursing Home in Kempsey, said the invite to the palace came completely out of the blue.

The 69-year-old said: "It arrived in the post at The Lawns last Friday.

"The reception will be with Prince Charles, and is celebrating all frontline nursing staff.

"I have seen the palace from the outside, but obviously never been inside. I am going to get something to wear for the reception."

Mrs Harris has enjoyed a successful nursing career which started as a cadet at the age of 16 in the 1960s, going on to do her nurse training, then later working in theatres at Redditch Hospital and Birmingham.

She went on to become manager of Bricklehampton Hall Nursing Home in Pershore, before taking on the same role at The Lawns in 2009.

The Elmley Castle resident said she works with excellent colleagues at The Lawns, who are likely to have nominated her to be one of the 50 nurses nationally chosen to attend the special reception.

Mrs Harris said she is particularly proud of her work as a mentor helping the next generations or nurses coming through into the profession.

"I work with the health and social care University of Worcester students," Mrs Harris said.

"I have been doing that for some years now.

"It is fantastic work - they are full of enthusiasm.

"Most of them I see go on and have nursing careers."

In a post on The Lawns Facebook page announcing the news, a number of well wishers congratulated Mrs Harris on the news.

Imogen Bushell said: "As a nursing student this is so inspirational. Well done."

Sally Buffery said: "Congratulations Carol.

"What an achievement."

Loraine Wills said: "Congratulations Carole and well deserved.

"You are truly a lovely person. Enjoy your day and have an amazing time."