ALTON Hospitals League of Friends pulled out all the stops on Thursday with a party to celebrate 70 years of the NHS.

Held on Inwood ward at Alton Community Hospital, the afternoon tea party was attended by Alton deputy mayor Allan Chick, who recalled the launch of the NHS in 1948 before cutting the special anniversary cake.

He was assisted in the task by former community hospital matron Sonia Vincent.

Guests, comprising staff and patients, some in wheelchairs and beds, spent the afternoon enjoying the sunshine on the Inwood ward terrace, listening to music played by the Amery Hill School orchestra, chatting and indulging in refreshments provided by the League of Friends.