University of Gloucestershire student Harry Hansford has been shortlisted for the Nursing Times Learning Disabilities Nursing Student of the Year Award, in a celebration of the next generation of nurses and excellence in the profession.

The Nursing Times Student of the Year Awards, which received a record number of entries this year, brings together the nursing community to shine a light on the brightest talent making their way into the profession.

The awards also provide an opportunity to congratulate the lecturers, practice supervisors, universities, trusts and private organisations providing the best support for student nurses during their studies.

Harry, who is studying for a nursing (learning disabilities) degree with the university's School of Health and Social Care, is among six contenders in the Learning Disabilities Award category, which acknowledges and recognises the unique nature of learning disabilities learning.

Nick Preddy, academic course lead for nursing (learning disabilities) at the University of Gloucestershire, said: "We're absolutely thrilled that Harry has been shortlisted for the Learning Disabilities Award at this year's Nursing Times Student of the Year Awards.

"Harry is such a modest and humble character that I'm sure he would never have imagined himself being shortlisted for an important award, but he fully deserves it and we'll be rooting for him and wishing him well at the awards ceremony on April 28.

"Harry's academic work has been of an outstanding quality throughout his nursing programme at the university, and the feedback from his placements within the nursing sector has been exceptional.

"He is already a great asset to learning disabilities services in Gloucestershire, to people with learning disabilities and to our learning disabilities programme, but he has a great future ahead of him as an innovative, kind, sensitive and high-achieving learning disabilities nurse."

The winners of the awards across 22 categories will be announced in a ceremony at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane, London, on April 28.