THE community are invited to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS and the 25th anniversary of Salisbury District Hospital.

A special Evensong is being held at Salisbury Cathedral on Saturday, June 9.

Dr Nick Marsden, chairman of Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust said: “This is a momentous milestone in the history of our NHS and the cathedral service will give us a unique opportunity to celebrate this achievement and reflect on the development of this much loved public institution over the last 70 years.”

There will also be an opportunity for people to see an exhibition of photographs, stories and memorabilia highlighting key moments in the development of the NHS and the history of health services in Salisbury and the surrounding area.

The exhibition opens in the cathedral from 3.30pm with Evensong starting at 5.30pm.

The Salisbury Cathedral event is one of a number of celebrations that are taking place in Salisbury and across the country to highlight the way in which the NHS has developed into a modern health service since it began on July 5, 1948.

An exhibition of photographs will be on display in the corridors of Salisbury District Hospital marking 70 years of achievement and development.

The exhibition will cover key events over the last 25 years.

Dr Marsden said: Local people will have seen many changes over the years to the NHS and their local hospital, so it’s only fitting that we celebrate both achievements in one of the most recognised and historic buildings in this country.

“This year gives us the opportunity to reflect on the NHS over the last 70 years and the advances in technology, new and pioneering treatments and modern first class facilities that mark out our own hospital and the pride that we have here for our hospital and our NHS now and in the future.”