AMTRA announced the SQPs that achieved the highest scores in their training at the AHDA gala dinner, which took place alongside AHDA’s annual conference at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at Birmingham’s NEC.

The three winners were Robyn Brown of Mole Country Stores in Billingshurst; Nadia Leal of the Animal Medicine Chest at Flagg Court Pharmacy in South Shields, and Emma Woolgar of Pets at Home.

Ms Brown, who has a degree in agriculture from Harper Adams University and is currently stock supervisor at the Billingshurst branch of Moles Country Stores in West Sussex, collected the Simon Fleet Cup and a cheque for £300.

Robyn said: “I think the most important aspect of my role as an SQP is patience and showing an active interest in the clients’ animal. In my short time as an SQP I’ve learnt that, on the whole, people just want to do the best for their animals – whether that be the dog they’ve just picked up from the rescue centre or the health of their flock of 1,000 sheep.

“I also believe it is important to let people know that there is more to the medicine counter than just selling medicines. As an SQP with an agricultural degree, I feel I have lots to offer from health plans and FECs to grassland management and nutrition. I like to try to get people to think forward to the next season, recording benchmarks for themselves so that they can ultimately ‘help us to help them’.”

Robyn was also named the winner of the AHDA Cup, sponsored by Elanco for the best overall student. She received the award from Elanco’s Gaynor Hillier (pictured). Robyn was presented with the all species SQP prize by Andrew Wylie of sponsors Zoetis.

Stephen Dawson, AMTRA’s secretary general, said: “I would like to congratulate Robyn, Nadia and Emma. We are delighted to recognise the achievements of these three outstanding students. It is testament to their dedication and hard-work and really reflects the commitment that we see across of all of the SQP students on our courses, as well as the businesses that support them.”