A specialist children's nurse met Prime Minister David Cameron at an event to celebrate leadership in nursing.

Denise Matthams, who works at Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust, was invited to a Downing Street reception in recognition of her dedication to children’s nursing.

Her drive has already seen her awarded a prestigious Florence Nightingale Leadership Scholarship.

Ms Matthams said: “I was amazed when the invitation came through.

“It was an honour to be there, and to be among people who have shown such strong leadership.

“I did manage to speak to the Prime Minister – he was interested in the Florence Nightingale Scholarship and I took the opportunity to talk about the importance of keeping up the profile of children’s needs within the NHS.”