A WILDLIFE veterinarian and zoo CEO is “proud” after being awarded an OBE in the New Year honours list.

Dr Sharon Redrobe, who grew up in Nutgrove has been appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to Skills, Science and the Economy in Leicestershire, where she is the chief executive of Twycross Zoo.

This is due to more than 20 years’ experience in the world of primate conservation, her work as an international wildlife vet and her role in transforming the Twycross Zoo.

The mum-of-one said: “I’m just delighted at this unexpected honour, when I got the letter I thought it was a speeding fine so I was very surprised indeed.

“My story should show everyone that if you love your job it is never work, I just feel immensely proud by receiving this.

“Growing up in St Helens there were not a lot of places to learn how to be a wildlife vet but from 10-years-old I would be visiting Rutland House Veterinary Hospital whenever I could.

“I always wanted to be a vet and so after attending Cowley High School I went to university in London and became a vet in various zoos across the country such as Edinburgh and Bristol.

“Through a lot of hard work, dedication and working alongside incredible people, I eventually got to follow my dreams and now I get to do so much important work that I truly love.

“Highlights of my veterinary career include going to Africa and helping chimps and gorillas there was incredible, I try to visit every year, it’s more than just a job.”

Dr Redrobe was also awarded Business Woman of the Year by the Vitalise Women of the Year awards in 2015 for her business skills shown in transforming Twycross Zoo and in June 2016 the Institute of Directors recognised her as the West Midlands Director of the Year Award in the Not-For-Profit category.

She will be taking her mum, dad and 10-year-old son Jake to the award ceremony when it takes place later this year.