SOUTH West MEP Julie Girling has been honoured with a top award by the European Parliament for her work on countryside issues.

At an event in Brussels on Wednesday, she was named MEP of the year in agriculture and rural-development issues in the annual awards organised by Parliament magazine.

The whole parliament was invited to vote to decide which MEP had made the greatest impact on key aspects including animal health and welfare, product quality and food security.

Mrs Girling, a Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, was praised for her longstanding support for the promotion of better animal welfare and for her successful management the parliament's position on National Emissions Ceilings.

Her work has seen her help deliver tough new targets aimed at reducing air pollution and cutting premature deaths from poor air quality.

She was also recognised for her recent report on guidelines to improve the welfare of the EU's seven million horses and donkeys.

After receiving her award Mrs Girling said: "I am truly honoured. When the recognition comes from your fellow MEPs it really means something.

"I have always tried to do my best for the countryside, for animal welfare, for farming and for the environment, which can be a difficult balancing act - so it is nice to receive a little pat on the back."