A BOLTON nurse who scooped a prestigious prize in a national nursing awards has given her money away -- to her stressed-out colleagues.

The team of nurses in the eye unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital enjoyed a pre-Christmas pampering.

Jean Cummings handed over the £500 given to her by Health Secretary, Alan Milburn, at a glittering awards ceremony in London.

She said: "It was a team effort and I didn't want to steal all the glory.

"It has been a very stressful time at the hospital recently and I wanted to do something to make the staff more relaxed."

The cash was spent on aromatherapy and relaxation massages.

Jean, a speciality manager of ophthalmology at the Royal Bolton Hospital, was awarded a commendation for surgical nursing last month.

She was recognised for an exceptional entry in the Surgical Nursing Awards, sponsored by an independent nursing agency.

Robert Murgatroyd, chief executive of the awards sponsor, Thornbury Nursing Services, said: "Jean's own entry was exceptional and we believe the recognition is well deserved.

Peter Liptrott, chairman of the Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, said: "It was very generous of Jean to give away the prize money to her staff."