The NHS celebrated its 70th birthday yesterday and staff and patients at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital joined in to mark the occasion.

The Oswestry-based hospital welcomed Diana Beard, former Great British Bake Off contestant, from Alkington, near Whitchurch, to be part of an NHS70 Generation Game hosted by The League of Friends.

Diana decorated an NHS70 themed cake masterpiece which was recreated by five teams of two staff members, including the assistant director of nursing and clinical governance, a Midland Centre for Spinal Injuries (MCSI) consultant and a head porter.

The game was also compered by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Ian Sawers, who is one of Shropshire’s Deputy Lieutenants.

The cakes were judged by Diana and trust chairman Frank Collins, and the team crowned the winners was made up of project manager Louis McDonald and MCSI consultant Mr Naveen Kumar.

The hospital’s facilities team also organised a street party in Denbigh’s Restaurant which featured a menu of traditional party food.

The street party was a huge success with staff and members of the public attending. Staff from MCSI also bought patients down to the restaurant so they could enjoy the event.

Balloons were also donated by Balloons for all Occasions, who are based inside Oswestry Indoor Market, to help decorate Denbigh’s ahead of the street party.

Whilst all of this was happening, Mark Brandreth, chief executive, attended the national NHS70 service with four members of staff – Olivia Evans, IT helpdesk engineer; Christine Lee, head porter; Mr Aheed Osman, MCSI consultant; and Pip Page-Davies, staff nurse.

The event took place at Westminster Abbey where 2,000 NHS staff gathered to celebrate seven decades of service and success.

Frank Collins, chairman, said: “Yesterday was a day full of celebration at the Orthopaedic and it was clear that everyone involved had a great time.

“I would like to thank Diana Beard and Lt Col Ian Sawers for coming to help us celebrate, and everyone involved who organised such fantastic events.

“The NHS is something very special and we are so lucky to be part of that at the Orthopaedic.”