IT WAS A day of celebrations as Wrexham Maelor Hospital honoured 70 years of the NHS.

At the main entrance to the hospital, the community gathered for a morning of festivities from 11am on Thursday, July 5.

Mayor of Wrexham, Andy Williams, Lord Barry Jones, and Buddi the therapy dog encouraged visitors and patients to join in.

A spokesman for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board said: “Patients, visitors and staff were celebrating the 70th anniversary of the NHS at the Wrexham Maelor Hospitall.

“Everyone came together to celebrate the importance and achievements of one of the nation’s most loved institutions and thank the extraordinary staff – everyday heroes who are always there to greet, treat, advise and care for us.

“They were joined by the Mayor of Wrexham, Andy Williams, and Flintshire’s Lord Barry Jones, as they enjoyed coffee, cakes and songs from pupils from Ysgol Bodhyfryd in the main reception area.

“Events were taking place across the hospital throughout the day, including fundraising tea parties for the Health Board’s charity, Awyr Las.”

The anniversary celebrations continue tomorrow with a NHS Street Stall event in the town centre.

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Services, Vaughan Gething AM, will be on hand to cut a special NHS birthday cake and members of the public will be asked to sign a birthday card paying tribute to the dedicated staff and cherished institution.

Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths, said: “Before becoming an Assembly Member, I worked for the NHS and I remain extremely proud and privileged to have served as Health Minister for almost two years. The 70th anniversary celebrations offer the perfect opportunity to recognise one of the nation’s most-loved institutions and to thank the extraordinary staff, past and present, who are there to advise, treat and care for us every single day.”