A nurse from Barnet is one of four carers nationwide to have been shortlisted for an award recognising her dedication.

Amita Shah, who works for the Barnet Carers Centre, in Ballards Lane, North Finchley, was selected out of hundreds of nominees for the first ever nationwide Patient's Choice award, Mrs Shah's job is to offer support to unpaid carers, who may be isolated and lonely and need advice on what help is available to them.

She was put forward by a user of the centre who wants to remain anonymous but said: "Amita gave me plenty of time just to talk about what was bothering me and get it all off my chest.

"She was very perceptive in recognising that I have some major difficulties and picked up that I desperately needed support. It may be her job to look after the carers, but with all the demands that entails, she still makes you feel that you are her only concern."

Mrs Shah has worked for the centre since November 2006 and was chosen for the award by an expert panel of judges, chaired by former health minister and trustee of the Patients Association, Edwina Currie.

As of Sunday until March 19, members of the public can cast their vote for her online at www.patients-choice.co.uk, or by calling Barnet Carers Centre on 020 8343 9698.

The award was launched in January by journal Nursing Standards and gives patients or relatives the chance to nominate a nurse they feel has made a real difference to the health care or that of a loved one.

The winner, who will be announced at a ceremony on March 27, will receive £1,000 prize money, while runners up will receive £250.