NURSES and widwives brought a smile to the faces of patients and colleagues as they celebrated their much-loved profession.

Staff at Basildon Hospital, in Nethermayne, donned colourful handmade hats and vintage uniforms to mark International Nurses Day.

They kept patients entertained with stories, poetry and even a lively YMCA-style dance routine.

Patients were asked to stick heart-shaped notes onto a notice board describing what they thought of nursing care at the trust- with comments including "heroes", "angels" and "life-savers".

Clare Panniker, chief executive of the hospital, and Diane Sarkar, director of nursing, presented a special Nurse of the Year Award to Jane Gilby, dementia project lead nurse, for her dedication and commitment to raising awareness of dementia and improving the lives of people with the condition.

The Team of the Year Award went to the Marjory Warren Ward for developing a strong new team which is providing the very best care for patients.

Mrs Sarkar said: “Nurses across the NHS do an absolutely fantastic job caring for patients - often when they are at their most vulnerable. We are fortunate at Basildon and Orsett hospitals to have a wonderful team of nurses and midwives.

"Nurses’ Day gives us an opportunity to celebrate their work and reward those who go above and beyond the call of duty.”

Karen Lee, from matron outpatient services, gave a speech about her personal nursing journey, which began at the age of 18 at Oldchurch Hospital, Romford, in an era when nurses stood to attention when their superiors entered the room.

Her dad thought she would last no more than two weeks.

Mrs Lee said: "Thirty-five years later, I am still here. Nursing is my vocation, and I love it.”

Linda Peall, chaplain, paid tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, for establishing the commitment and ideals in the 19th century that underpin the profession to this day.