STAFF at Gobowen's Orthopaedic Hospital have taken part in a fun event to celebrate the NHS's 71st birthday.

The staff members took part in the event based on the 70s game show 'It's a Knockout', organised by the League of Friends.

The main entrance of the hospital was transformed into the venue, where five teams of two members of staff took part, including former Great British Bake (GBBO) off star Diana Beard.

Chief executive Mark Brandreth was delighted that staff were able to enjoy themselves and have fun while providing a show for the patients at an event that was ultimately to thank staff for their hard work.

He said: "Friday was all about celebrating the NHS and what better way than some fun for our staff and a spectacle for our patients.

"I'd like to thank our League of Friends for organising the event and also to Diana Beard for coming and helping the Trust celebrate with her wonderful cake decorating game.

"The NHS is something very special and it is quite right that we celebrated its 71st birthday in style."

The teams were required to complete an obstacle course in five minutes which was made up of a fancy dress station, face paint challenge and cake decorating.

Former GBBO contestant Diana Beard, from Alkington near Whitchurch, demonstrated how teams must decorate their cake whilst League of Friends volunteer Maddy Sugden was the model for how staff must paint their faces.

Victoria Sugden, charity director for the League of Friends, said: "It’s a Knockout was a fantastic event with our competing members of staff really getting involved in the challenge – it was great to see how competitive everyone was.

"I’d like to thank the Estates and Facilities team at RJAH – they gave us so much support leading up to the event and also on the day.

"It was lovely to feel a real party atmosphere in the main entrance and the staff at RJAH work so hard. It was great to see everyone having fun together while honouring the great institution that is the NHS."

The games were compered by Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Ian Sawers, who is one of Shropshire’s Deputy Lieutenants and Trustee for the League of Friends.

Alongside Diana, lead governor Jan Greasley and League of Friends chairman Peter David judged the cakes and face paint of each team – with Mark Brandreth and Sarah Turner being crowned the winners.