THE founder of South Essex Wildlife Hospital was handed a prestigious award.

Susan Schwar was given the Lord Erskine Award at the RSPCA Honours ceremony.

The Lord Erskine Award, one of the RSPCA’s highest accolades, is given to individuals who have demonstrated an important contribution in the field of animal welfare.

Ms Schwar said: “I am very thrilled and honoured to receive such a high accolade for my achievements. I want to thank my volunteers and all the other people who have supported the charity because they deserve recognition.”

Ms Schwar has been working in animal rescue for 30 years and she set up the hospital, in Orsett, in 1995 as a result of no wildlife care in the area.