Sheringham vet Michaela Bone spent the early part of her life in South Africa and Botswana, where her parents were in the hotel trade. She then lived at Felixstowe until the age of 16, when she returned to Botswana.

Sheringham vet Michaela Bone spent the early part of her life in South Africa and Botswana, where her parents were in the hotel trade. She then lived at Felixstowe until the age of 16, when she returned to Botswana.

Michaela came back to the UK in her late teens, and, after graduating from Edinburgh University with a degree in veterinary medicine, she worked as a locum in Guernsey, gaining experience ranging from treating horses and cattle to penguins.

In 1999, she took a job at Sheringham surgery Miramar, and although only intending to work in north Norfolk for a year, she fell in love with the area, and decided to stay.

A Norwich City season ticket holder, sports fan Michaela is a regular at Carrow Road. She is also a keen runner and an experienced sailor, plays Hockey for Briston, and has followed the England cricket team to Australia and the Caribbean.

Since starting work at Sheringham, Michaela has treated animals ranging from dogs to guinea pigs, as well as taking care of some more unusual creatures including giant snails, bearded dragons, and a frog found in a crate of imported fruit by a local greengrocer.

Accompanied by Miramar veterinary nurse Lucy Kemp, she last year travelled to Paxos, Greece, to help set up a clinic for stray and feral cats, treating a total of 140 animals in just 2 weeks.

Michaela lives at Sheringham with her partner Stuart and adopted cats Tabs - who was brought into the surgery after being hit by a car - and Sam, a stray whose broken leg Michaela was forced to amputate after it became infected.

What is the best thing about your job?

Seeing a once ill patient running through the door looking and feeling a lot better. And although it can be a bit hair-raising, I also enjoy surgery and the way being a vet is a bit like being a detective.

And the worst?

It still brings a tear to my eye when I have to put animals to sleep. Day to day, it is what you have to do, but it is about the people - for instance for an elderly person, a pet is often their only companion so it can be very hard when they lose them.

What one possession would you save if your house was on fire?

My camera; photography is a big hobby for me because you really have to concentrate on what you are doing and it just takes you away.

Where do you go to unwind?

I would like to say for a run but that wouldn't be true, so it would have to be going out for dinner or to the pub!

What is your favourite Norfolk building?

Norwich cathedral is quite special, I like the way it dominates the landscape and I can see it when I'm watching the football!

Have you ever done anything outrageous?

I have been white water rafting a few times - the last time was on holiday in South Africa.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I'd be better at hockey!

What is your proudest moment?

Qualifying to be a vet because it took 5 years and a lot of hard work, and I felt I had really accomplished something.

And your greatest achievement?

Sailing from South Africa to Guernsey with my father and two family friends. I was 18 and it took two months to get there.

Who do you most admire?

Ellen MacArthur; I admire her sheer determination and courage. Her epic around-the-world voyage was a great achievement.

Do you have any fears or phobias?

Snakes - I really don't like them.

What makes you angry?

I am quite a laid back person so I don't really get angry.

Favourite book, film and TV programme?

My favourite book is East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I am not much of a film-watcher, but I like A River Runs Through it (1992 Robert Redford fly fishing drama), and, on TV, I am addicted to Hollyoaks and I enjoy the sitcom Jam and Jerusalem with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders.

How would you like to be remembered?

As a good friend and a caring, loving daughter.