V ETERINARY nurse Gemma Boughey knows more than many how to work up a little animal magic.
The 27-year-old head nurse at Charter Veterinary Surgeons, Biddulph, is a wow with animals and pet owners alike.
Gemma's calming and comforting ways are often called upon during her daily duties at the Congleton Road practice.
As a child, she opted to play with her horse and animal figures rather than her Barbie dolls.
And her affinity with our four-legged friends is such that she was chosen to appear in Channel 4's Animal Madhouse.
Gemma, who usually works with cats, dogs and rabbits, found herself looking after lizards, llamas and skunks on the show.
"It was great fun and I'm hoping to do it again. I had a lot of laughs but there was a serious side to it as well," said Gemma.
"The main thing was to educate the owners and warn them about animal diseases and welfare.
"I'm very passionate about animal welfare and it's something I take very seriously," said Gemma, who has her own dog, Lottie, and a horse.
"I spend a lot of time with my horse as well. I just adore animals. They give you a lot of love back."
But it's not just at work where she uses her animal magic – it spills over into her wardrobe as well.
For Gemma, of Halls Road, Biddulph, who studied animal care at college before working her way up to head nurse, loves faux fur.
She has more than one faux fur jacket in her wardrobe and also loves leather but she wouldn't dream of owning a real fur jacket.
"I couldn't bear the thought of that. I do like fake fur because it's so soft and warm.
"You would never see me wearing a real fur coat though."
One of Gemma's favourite faux fur jackets comes from Primark, along with a pair of stunning leather gloves complete with an eye-catching chain.
And when she does strut her stuff in faux fur Gemma certainly knows how to turn heads.
As a teenager, Gemma did catwalk training with the Samantha Edge Model Agency in Stoke.
"Everyone comments how well I walk in heels," said Gemma. "They taught us how to walk well in them."
It will come as no surprise then that Gemma loves high heeled shoes. She has quite a collection in her wardrobe at the home she shares with mum, Denise.
Among her favourites are a pair of Carvella sandals which match a long black Firetrap evening dress beautifully.
But Gemma also has a passion for boots, including a casual pair of long boots bought for �80 from Asos.
Gemma loves the grip effect detail near the ankle. The boots co-ordinate perfectly with a stunning red leather jacket from Topshop.
Another favourite item of footwear in Gemma's wardrobe is a pair of military-style boots from one of her favourite shops – Off the Rails, in Biddulph.
For Gemma likes to ring the changes in her wardrobe and will often take clothes to the dress agency to make way to new ones.
"I'm quite individual and like to find one-off pieces. I do like a bargain though and will shop around.
"I'm not one for following fashion.
"I like to be different and to develop my own style."
One such dress is a stunning long black maxi evening dress by Firetrap which Gemma spotted at Off the Rails.
She wears the dress with one of her trademark pieces of costume jewellery. "I like costume jewellery because you can constantly change it."
But there's one item of jewellery which is destined to be around for a long time – a Pandora bracelet bought by her mum as a present.
It has lots of blue charms – blue is Gemma's favourite colour – plus two favourite charms: a fairy and one of her Cancer star sign.
Gemma, a trim size 10 and 5ft 8ins tall, is also a bit of a sun goddess.
She adores sun-kissed holidays and is heading out to the Dominican Republic to be chief bridesmaid at a friend's wedding.
Gemma has her flowing locks trimmed every 10 weeks at Clarity's in Congleton and also has a regular booking with The Retreat in Leek for a spray tan.
Despite her busy social life, Gemma always has time for her animals.
And she is never too busy to come up with innovative ways of keeping both animals and their owners happy.
Gemma runs 'puppy parties' at the practice where she talks about animal care and helps with dog socialisation.
"I've always loved animals. Even as a child I would put the Barbie dolls down and play with the horses instead."
And with Gemma's track record to date and passion for life, she's set to continue spreading a bit of animal magic for many years to come.
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