Intensive Care Unit senior nurse at North Bristol NHS Trust, Flora Robertson has discussed her experience as a reservist in the Armed Forces to encourage others to consider joining.

Flora signed up to be an Armed Forces reservist in 2008, when she was a newly qualified nurse. Flora had been part of the cadets when she was young, and joined the Officer’s Training Corps in University. When Flora heard about the opportunity to become an Armed Forces reservist, she jumped at the chance.

Flora explained: “I thought it would be a good option, allowing me to work in the NHS but also in different environments. I like the outdoors, taking part in adventure training, travelling and meeting people with similar interests. I was also interested in the deployment opportunity, asImage caption Swallow (right) is smaller than the average sheep

A cow whose tiny stature saved her from the abattoir has entered the record books as the world's smallest.

Swallow, a Dexter cow from Cheshire, stands 33.5in (0.8m) tall from hind to foot - shorter than most sheep.

The 11-year-old, who is currently pregnant, has produced nine calves and is described by owner Caroline Ryder as the "nanny of the herd".

Swallow secured a slot with the tallest dog, longest snake and oldest gorilla in the 2011 Guinness World Records.

The tiny cow was born in Newbury, Berkshire in 1999 and bought by the Ryder family at a rare breed auction in 2006.

'Genetic anomaly'

Brought up in Rishworth, West Yorkshire, her small size means she is used for breeding, explained Mrs Ryder, who recently