A FORMER Great British Bake Off contestant is set to help a hospital celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS.

Diana Beard, from Alkington near Whitchurch, who appeared on series five of the television baking competition, will visit the Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) on July 5.

As part of celebrations, The League of Friends has organised an NHS70-style Generation Game, where four teams of two staff members from different departments will replicate a cake which will be created by Diana.

She said: "It’s an honour to have been invited to RJAH to help celebrate the NHS’s 70th birthday.

“When I was approached about being involved in the Generation Game, I couldn’t say no. It’s an excellent idea and I’m looking forward to seeing how the teams recreate my cake."

Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Ian Sawers, who is one of Shropshire’s Deputy Lieutenants, will compere the event.

The hospital’s Catering Team have also organised a Street Party in Denbigh’s Restaurant, which is part of NHS7Tea, a national event promoted by NHS England.

The street party will feature a celebratory menu of traditional street party food and will be set up so staff, patients and visitors can all sit together. It will be £4 a head for an unlimited buffet including tea and coffee.

The event will also run from 12 noon until 4pm, allowing staff who work shifts and can’t have their break until after the normal lunchtime to be involved.

Also as part of the street party, there will be a poster display in Denbigh’s highlighting RJAH and the NHS from 1948 until the present day.

hospital chief executive Mark Brandreth will attend the national NHS70 service at Westminster Abbey accompanied by four members of staff.

Attending the service alongside Mark will be; Olivia Evans, IT Helpdesk Engineer; Christine Lee, Head Porter; Mr Aheed Osman, Consultant Surgeon on the Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries; and Pip Page-Davies, Staff Nurse on the specialist oncology ward.

The hospital will also be holding a Marathon Reception on July 5 to thank the runners who took part in the Virgin London Marathon this year for their efforts and dedication to raising money for the Trust.

The annual Long Service Awards have also been brought forward this year and will take place on Friday, July 6

Mr Brandreth said: “It seems entirely fitting that we celebrate our staff who have achieved long careers in the NHS on the same week that the service itself celebrates its big birthday.

“We have a number of events happening across the Trust on 5 July and I would encourage members of the public to come and celebrate with us – everyone is welcome.”