When Airedale General Hospital was nearing completion 30 years ago, a call went out for people who might want to become volunteer helpers.

Among the first to respond was Margaret Moorhouse of Steeton.

When Airedale opened in July 1970, one of Margaret's first tasks was to place flowers on the wards.

Today, like 12 others, she is still working as a volunteer and holds the key role of Chairman of the Friends of Airedale group.

"And I still enjoy it," she said. "I'm not thinking of going yet - they will soon tell me if they want rid of me!"

Along with 78-year-old Sidney Richardson and his wife, Olive, 74, of Riddlesden - one of 22 married couples who work as volunteers - they will be among almost 400 volunteers at a special event.

Their dedication will be celebrated at a Millennium Songs of Praise on Sunday, August 27 on the forecourt of the hospital's outpatients department, starting at 3.30pm.

Olive, who worked in education, has been helping to run the hospital library for ten years. "I simply wanted to help the community," she said.

And Sidney, a retired gas worker, is one of a number of guides who escort visitors around the hospital. "It took me about two weeks to learn the layout," he said.

Other volunteers help in the hospital shop, run Radio Airedale, in the chapel and run the minibus and transport service

They assist patients at mealtimes, in the maternity department and in cancer support services and run trolley shops on the wards.

Elaine Foster, the voluntary services manager, said Airedale has just under 400 volunteers including members of Friends of Airedale, the WRVS, the Red Cross and a number of other groups supporting particular areas of the hospital.

"The average number of volunteers across the country is 140 - we are well above that figure," she said.

"They provide various services around the hospital and hold many fundraising events for new equipment or furnishings for the benefit of patients."

The Millennium Songs of Praise is a thank you for the 30 years of help the volunteers have given the hospital.

The Black Dyke Mills Band will be providing the music for the service of thanksgiving supported by the Steeton Male Voice Choir. Guests are asked to bring along their own seat or chair and refreshments will be available after the service. The event is open to all volunteers and to anyone else connected with the work.