A top doctor at a hospital trust was given an award for being a "tower of strength" to a sick baby and his family.

Dr Ruth Charlton, deputy chief executive and joint medical director at Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust was nominated by his mother Hannah.

The baby was born with meningitis, had an allergy to cows’ milk, was prone to infections and spent his first year going in and out of hospital.

Before the AGM at St Helier on Monday night, trust chief executive Chrisha Alagaratnam gave her monthly CEO award to Dr Charlton, who was the baby’s consultant.

She read out the mum’s nomination that said: "Dr Ruth Charlton is the best doctor I could have ever wished for.

"She not only treats Austin with as much care as if he was her own child, but has supported me and my family though every up and down.

"She’s a very special lady and I know if Austin could talk, he would say thank you too."

Dr Charlton said: "This is a surprise. Thank you so much, that’s really appreciated."