Long serving members of staff at Bradford District Care Trust are celebrating after clocking up more than one thousand years services between them.

Forty-eight members of NHS staff, who have dedicated their careers to supporting people living locally, were honoured at a special awards ceremony at the Mercure Bankfield Hotel in Bingley.

Staff including nurses, admininistration staff, health visitors and doctors were presented with certificates commemorating 25 and 40 years service within the NHS.

The awards were presented by Care Trust chairman Michael Smith and director of human resources and organisational development, Sandra Knight.

Mr Smith said: “Our awards ceremony has recognised outstanding commitment and dedication to working in the NHS.

“I would like to congratulate and thank each recipient for their valuable years of service.”

Among those receiving their award was staff nurse Tim Gaunt who has reached the milestone of 25 years service.

He said: “I’ve really enjoyed being a nurse over the years. I’ve worked with some good teams and met some great people. I think 25 years service is an excellence achievement and I’m very proud to receive my award.”

Savitri Cameron was among those celebrating 40 years service. The mother-of-two has worked her way up the career ladder to become a community matron, since arriving in the UK from Mauritius, aged 20.

She said: “The British Embassy was looking for nurses and it seemed like a great opportunity. Despite being poor, my family worked hard to pay for me a good education and took out a loan to fund my flight here.

“Over the years I’ve worked in a range of NHS services including mental health, general nursing, maternity and health visiting. My most memorable experience during my working career was delivering my first baby – I’ll never forget that.”

“I would like to thank the NHS for giving me a life and recognising my 40 years service.”

The event was supported by Sovereign Health Care Charitable Trust and Health Care Staff Benefits.