A NURSE who once looked after indigenous tribes along the Amazon river from a converted tug has been honoured for her 'tremendous contribution' to Inverclyde.

General practice nurse Rhona Aikman, who works at Gourock Medical Practice, has received the Queen's Nursing Institute Scotland (QNIS) community award for long service.

Rhona, who has spent 31 years in primary care, was one of 27 nurses across Scotland to be honoured in the online ceremony.

She has volunteered all over the world during her career.

The determined nurse once travelled to the Amazon in a boat called Amazon Hope and volunteered her nursing services for people who were very isolated from medical care.

She also spent three months in Namibia as a support worker and medic, helping troubled teenagers with building and conservation projects alongside Raleigh International.

Rhona raised money for a diabetes charity by taking on a 460-mile cycle from Saigon to the Angkor Wat temple in Cambodia after her niece was diagnosed with the condition.

The kind-hearted nurse also worked with the Simon Community in Glasgow, helping to run a drop-in meal service for homeless people.

Dr E Laverty, who works with Rhona, praised her for her 'endless energy and enthusiasm for her challenging job'.

The GP added: "Rhona never shies away from a challenge and always pushes herself to the limit.

"She is extremely hard working and very kind-hearted, non-judgmental and can identify with people from all walks of life.

"Rhona goes the extra mile for her patients and the practice on a daily basis, and we all very much value her experience and skills.

"She never complains and is an excellent role model for us all."