As the NHS gears up to celebrate its anniversary this week, a local hospital is hosting an open day to reminisce on the past 70 years.

South Hams Hospital is celebrating 70 years of service of the NHS with an afternoon of tea and a walk down memory lane on Thursday, July 5.

The hospital, run by Livewell Southwest, opened in April 1929 as South Hams Cottage Hospital. A focal point of the celebrations will be a display of images from over the decades, and hospital staff and the team at Kingsbridge Cookworthy Museum have raided their archives to provide a fascinating collection of photographs which will be on show at the event.

Both past and present staff are looking forward to welcoming members of the local community to share their memories and experiences over tea and cakes.

Mandy Ostenfeldt, ward manager said: “We want lots of people to come along to join us as we celebrate NHS70 - we’re really proud of the organisation and the part that all the staff at South Hams Hospital over the years have played in caring for and supporting our local community. We look forward to seeing you here.”

Doors open at 1pm and the afternoon will close at 5pm.