An inspirational and caring Pembrokeshire midwife has won a top award.

Elspeth Lancaster has been judged Wales Midwife of the Year after a nomination from a local mum-of-three.

Rhian Clark put 53-year-old Elspeth’s name forward because of the exceptional care she delivered before, during and after the birth of her son Hari in March 2013.

She now hopes to train to be a midwife herself once her youngest child is older.

“I would be proud if I could help just one person like Elspeth has helped me; she’s an inspiration,” said Rhian, of Haverfordwest.

Elspeth, who lives near Narberth and is a community midwife in the Narberth and Tenby areas, was one of just six regional winners in the Johnson’s Baby Mums’ Midwife of the Year award, part of the annual awards of the Royal College of Midwives (RCM).

She was joined on stage by Rhian and baby Hari to receive her trophy from RCM chief executive, Professor Cathy Warwick, at the RCM’s awards ceremony in London.

Said a spokeswoman for the RCM: “Rhian suffers from a rare condition where pain causes seizures, which can therefore cause problems during pregnancy. Elspeth made sure she took extra time and care with Rhian, and was always only a phone call away.”

Said Rhian: “I am certain that had I not had the support and care that Elspeth gave to me, my second pregnancy would not only have been my last, but I would not be who I am today.”

Elspeth, who has been a midwife for 21 years, said she was ‘proud and honoured’ to win the Welsh award.

“Helping Rhian through all her three pregnancies has been extremely rewarding and a privilege - I can’t explain how thrilled I am to have won such a great award.”