Lowes, along with a small team of locally trained vets and UK volunteers, have so far neutered, vaccinated and treated thousands of diseased and neglected strays in the country, which is home to about three million roaming dogs, many of which are suffering from mange, tumours, broken bones, wounds, malnutrition and diseases.

Her work is helping to eliminate rabies in the animal and human population, which is a serious problem for Sri Lanka where the disease kills thousands every year.

Lowes has inspired other vets to join her and volunteer for WECare, while a team of supporters also regularly hold fundraising event back in the UK to keep the project running.

The former Nottingham University student plans to remain in Sri Lanka and is focused on raising £300,000 to build the country’s first dog hospital dedicated to street dogs.

Now David Cameron has congratulated Lowes by naming her in his daily Points of Light awards which recognise outstanding individual volunteers and people who are making a change in their community.

Cameron said: “Janey has shown true compassion by creating a charity that cares for sick and injured animals in Sri Lanka.

“She has undoubtedly changed the fate of scores of vulnerable animals by protecting them from disease and providing much-needed care.

“I am recognising Janey as a Point of Light, not only for the positive impact she’s had through helping animals in need, but also for the countless people that will have been protected from rabies by her work.”

Lowes said: “I am absolutely thrilled to receive this award but we have a long way to go in terms of what we need to achieve to change the outlook of animal welfare and veterinary education in Sri Lanka.

“We all have to start somewhere, however, and it has been the most incredible adventure over the last few years.

“As a team, we have worked very hard, with lots of blood, sweat and tears, so it is absolutely lovely to receive recognition for that – thank you so much.”

(The Northern Echo)