AMANDA CARSON has been named as the new president of the Sheep Veterinary Society.

Ms Carson trained as a vet in Australia, graduating in 1988 from the University of Sydney, and worked there in general practice before returning to the UK where she became a partner in a five-vet practice in Cumbria, with farm, equine and small animal clients.

In 2007, she became a Government vet, and has since worked in a number of areas providing veterinary diagnostic and consultancy services to Defra, the Food Standards Agency, public health and local authorities, and to private vets and the farming industry.

Ms Carson is a member of several organisations including the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, the British Veterinary Association, the Sheep Trust (as a trustee), the Sheep Veterinary Society, the Cumbria Farmers Network, the National Sheep Association, and the Moredun Institute.

As Secretary of the Herdwick Sheep Breeders Association, she retains a close connection to the farming community and upland farming.

Ms Carson takes over the SVS presidential role from Nick Hart, who becomes senior vice president, as Yoav Alony-Gilboa retires from the committee. Joining the officials is new junior vice president Rebecca Mearns

The Sheep Veterinary Society brings together vets, advisers and flock owners from all over the United Kingdom, Europe and the wider world who are interested in the welfare and production of sheep, acting as a forum for education and discussion on all matters relating to sheep health and welfare. It also builds strong links with sheep farmers through the National Sheep Association.