An Isle of Wight midwife has finished third in international competition to find the world's best birth workers, run by the website Birth Becomes You.

In first place was a health worker from the Netherlands, while second place was won by a midwife from Texas.

Meanwhile, Islander Kirsty Arnold, who finished with a well-deserved top three place, was nominated by Ryde mum, Charlotte Pugmire, who gave birth to her daughter, Darcie, in April.

Charlotte was so impressed with the outstanding care and support she received, a thank you was not enough.

"I have never met someone so passionate about their job or profession," Charlotte said.

"Kirsty took the time to explain everything to me and my partner, she made sure I wasn’t in any pain, and was just a constant source of support throughout my whole delivery."

Isle of Wight County Press: Award-nominated Isle of Wight midwife, Kirsty, and baby Darcie, who she delivered.

Kirsty trained at Bournemouth University and completed her placement at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, before qualifying as a midwife in September 2022.Charlotte said: "I really was so in awe of Kirsty.

When she was nominated, Kirsty said: "I am thrilled I was able to make Charlotte’s birthing experience such a positive one and it was wonderful to be with the family as Darcie was born."

"I was incredibly unwell during my second pregnancy, however Kirsty was so reassuring and made such a positive impact," Charlotte said.

"My mum was unable to come through to theatre, due to the infection risk, but Kirsty went out of her way to make her feel as included as possible.

"Kirsty was amazing, showing us everything and passing on all her knowledge to us,  explaining what everything was and how it all works - it was incredible!”