An operating theatre with three-inch tall surgeons and fake blood was a surprisingly fitting tribute to an Otley anaesthetist celebrating 30 years in the business.

Quenton Robinson, Consultant Anaesthetist at Wharfedale Hospital, last week celebrated with colleagues after marking his 30 years at the hospital.

Along with Mr Robinson's wife, Billa, the staff arranged for a very special cake to be made for the occasion. The cake was designed and created by Trevor Backhouse, owner of Patisserie Viennoise in Otley.

It featured model surgeons and of course a model anaesthetist operating on a patient.

With fake gore, a small machine to monitor the heart and a tube in the mouth to aid breathing, the cake was much appreciated by Mr Robinson.

He said: "The cake is absolutely wonderful, the detail is magnificent, I love the fake blood!"

Mr Robinson, who lives in Ilkley, has worked at the Coronation Hospital, Scalebor Park, Middleton Hospital and High Royds.

When he first started at Otley in 1973, he was told that the hospital was going to be moved to High Royds, but 30 years later and he is still waiting for the move.

But at last work to the new hospital at Newall Carr Road is under way and building is likely to be completed by July, 2004. Mr Robinson praised his staff and said that the whole department was a great team.

"I have enjoyed the 30 years and I am looking forward to the new hospital being opened but I think that when it does open I may consider retiring," he added.

Mr Robinson was also congratulated by Billa and his son, Aidan, a chiropractor, and his daughter Emma, who lives in Paris.