Petplan has announced the finalists for the 2009 Veterinary Awards. 

The company says it was inundated with more than 2300 nominations this year and that the public response was 'astonishing', with tales ranging from midnight rescues to simple acts of kindness and this year was no exception.

The finalists for each of the categories are as follows:

Vet of the Year
Jamie Rushton, Village Vet Hampstead, London
Ben Jones, Ben Jones Veterinary Surgery, Chester, Flintshire
Matthew Fry, Quarrington Veterinary Surgery, Sleaford, Lincolnshire

Vet Nurse of the Year
Charlotte Maude, Companion Care Veterinary Surgery Chesterfield, Markham, Chesterfield
Karen McQuaid, The Old Golfhouse Veterinary Group, Watton, Norfolk
Rachel Smith, 608 Veterinary Group, Solihull, West Midlands

Vet Receptionist of the Year
Yasmin Morowa, Melton Veterinary Surgery, Woodbridge, Suffolk
Jackie Crampton, Companion Care Veterinary Surgery Chesterfield, Markham, Chesterfield
Sara Abbott, Pet Doctors, East Horsley, Surrey

Vet Practice of the Year
Ashfield House Veterinary Hospital Limited, Long Eaton, Nottinghamshire
Carrick Veterinary Group CVS (UK) Ltd, Newbold, Chesterfield
St Clair Veterinary Group, Kirkcaldy, Fife

Simon Wheeler, Petplan's Head of Marketing said he was thrilled by the record number of nominations received:

"This year we are celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Veterinary Awards which were launched so pet owners could thank their practice for the tireless and wonderful work they carry out. We are delighted that the awards, which we often hear referred to as the 'Vet Oscars', are still going strong.  This year we have received over 2300 nominations and the quality and standard really challenged the skills of our esteemed judging panel. We would like to wish those short listed every success on the night."

All finalists will be invited to a 'glittering' awards ceremony that will take place on 2nd April at the Burlington Hotel in Birmingham where the winners will be announced.

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.