Eunice Leong, 24, has left her home in Malaysia to work at The Pharmacy @ Caxton in Oswestry and it is the first time the company has taken on a pre-registration student.

Miss Leong began working at the pharmacy in Oswald Road this month as part of her studies to become a registered pharmacist.

She said: “Some of my university colleagues have gone to hospitals, community pharmacies or into industry but because this is a medical centre the learning experience is much different.

“It is quite big and there are a lot of patients, I think you learn so much here.

“I am a bit inexperienced but I will learn as I go along. Everyone here is very experienced so I can ask for help when I need to, I am surrounded by experts.”

Miss Leong completed a pharmacy degree at Liverpool John Moores University but as part of the course she must do a one year placement within three years of graduating.

She said she has enjoyed being in England and Oswestry is a good place to live.

“I came to England because I wanted to experience a different environment to study in,” she added.

“The people of Oswestry are very friendly, lots of people have helped me here.

“I would compare it to Edinburgh, it is a compact town and that is a compact city.

“There is lots to see but for me it is all about studying and preparing for my exams next year.”

John Gentle, superintendent pharmacist at Caxton, said Miss Leong is a huge benefit to the business and already they are very pleased to have taken this step.

He said: “The university can supply students with the clinical knowledge they need but, like with many jobs, you do not actually learn how to do it until you are in the job yourself.

“We have never taken on a pre-registration student before but we feel we are in a good place to be able to train people now, we have good links with professional contacts.

“Companies like Boots and the NHS used to to take half the pre-registration pharmacists but they don’t take as many now. However there are more universities to study so more places need to be made available for the post-graduate training.”

He added: “Eunice is settling in to Oswestry and has already made a big impression on both customers and staff alike.

“We look forward to working with her for the coming months and we are also pleased to be able to give her opportunities to work with GPs, district nurses and physios because of our links with the neighbouring Caxton Surgery.”

The pre-registration training is a legal requirement for anyone wanting to get on the GPhC register.

Students must complete 52 weeks of supervised and assessed training in employment and pass the registration exam. The training is subsidised by the Department of Health.

Mr Gentle added: “Becoming a tutor does involve a lot of work but it is a huge boost for everyone here, let alone the students we take on.

“We must invest time and knowledge in people, train the next generation so that the pharmaceutical industry can continue to be competitive between large chains and small independent stores.”

The Pharmacy @ Caxton is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm and 8.30am to noon on a Saturday.

Anybody wanting advice or to book a review can call Mr Gentle and his team on 01691 653033.