A special award in memory of a nurse who died suddenly last year has been won by a 26-year-old health care assistant.

Christopher Lightowlers, who had nursed elderly patients at St Luke's Hospital in Bradford for 20 years, was only 49 when he had a fatal heart attack.

At his funeral his family requested donations in aid of the hospital's elderly care unit and staff there decided to use the collection to set up a special award for excellence. The first carer to receive the award is Andrea Chapman, who has worked on Ward F3 at St Luke's for 14 months.

She was chosen from six nominees for her enthusiasm and commitment to looking after elderly patients as well as her determination to study and work well.

Miss Chapman, of Queensbury, who received the award from Mr Lightowlers' widow, Caroline, pictured with her, said: "I was mentored by Chris and was very sad when he died. He was such a wonderful person and taught me so much.

"I was over the moon when I heard I had won the award and feel really honoured. I hope I can give as much as he did to elderly people."

She won £100 prize money and was presented with a shield with her name on it.

Jackie Hansford, patient services manager of elderly care, said: "The staff were all shocked and saddened by Christopher's death and wanted to use the donations for something that would last longer than a piece of equipment with his name on it.

"It was felt an award for excellence in the care of elderly people would be a fitting way to remember him."