A DUTCH midwife living in Worcestershire says she is worried for her future in Britain as the Prime Minister prepares to officially start the process of leaving the EU.

Liesbeth Edwards came to England 29 years ago as a student nurse and created a life for herself in Droitwich, but her world was turned upside down when the country voted to leave the EU last year.

She says she is now worried about people hearing her accent and is annoyed at being treated as a "bargaining chip" by PM Theresa May.

She said: "The day after Brexit I felt really self-conscious of my accent, and that had never bothered me but now I think '52 per cent of you don't want me here'.

"I feel different being here now and that's a shame. You wonder who voted out and who voted in.

Mrs Edwards, who works at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester and now lives in Hanbury, near Droitwich, said she and a Spanish colleague were on a night shift when news of Brexit broke.

She said: "She cried. I was shocked. I thought it would be tight but I never though Brexit would happen."

A friend advised her to apply immediately for permanent residency so, when she returned home the next day, she printed out the form only to discover it was 85 pages long.

She said: "I thought it would be two pages long but it just kept coming.

"It asks how often I've been abroad and what dates. I don't know. Would you have a clue where you have been in the past 29 years?

"If I do get this, I can then apply for British citizenship but that will cost £1,300.

"I think it's ridiculous that after 29 years, or however long, we have to prove ourselves and jump through so many hoops.

"I don't know where to go from here. My husband is angry. He wants us to move to Holland.

"A friend is going to go back to Sweden but I don't want to return because I've made my life here."

Mrs Edwards came to Britain in 1988 after falling in love with her first husband, who was English, on holiday in France, and the couple later had twins Chris and Hannah. She has since remarried.

She chose to retain her Dutch nationality because she was proud of her heritage and it made it easier for visiting family.

But as a Dutch national, Mrs Edwards is not allowed to vote in General Elections or referendums.

She said: "Within a day or two of arriving in England I was working in a kitchen.

"I have paid tax and national insurance for almost every day since I've been here.

"It's ridiculous that I can't vote in the referendum.

"I don't think you need to let everyone in but you need to be fair to the people who are here.

"Theresa May should really start giving some guarantees.

"They have to protect us and that's just not happening and that's very, very sad.

She added: "England is lovely. I love it here. I've got good friends and amazing colleagues and everyone is very supportive.

"I posted something on Facebook and the next day someone ran up to me in the car park and gave me a hug.

"A neighbour came around with a bunch flowers after Brexit because she knew I would be upset.

"But I think people haven't thought it through as much as they should have done."

Mrs Edwards, aged 48, is planning to join other EU nationals and supporters for a Unite for Europe march in London today (Saturday).

Mrs May has said she will invoke Article 50 on Wednesday, March 29.

Mrs Edwards said: "It's divided people and will continue to do so. I do respect why some people voted for Brexit but the way Theresa May is handling the EU negotiations is unacceptable.

"I think it will be dreadful.

"At the moment you think she can change her mind or something will happen but I think next Wednesday will be awful."