STAFF at the Royal Bolton Hospital threw a huge party this weekend to celebrate the NHS turning 70.

The event, organised by members of Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, involved a large fair outside the hospital, with games and rides, as well as a range of different NHS stalls.

More than 500 people came to the event which raised in excess of £1,000 for a number of causes.

Esther Steel, trust secretary and director of public engagement, helped to organise the day and said plans had been in place for more than a year.

She said: “It went really well, it was fantastic and we were incredibly lucky with the weather.

“We have raised well over a thousand pounds and I’ve seen lots of stuff on social media showing that people had a fantastic time.

“We organised a similar event a few years ago but we wanted to really raise some more money this time.”

Ms Steel had been concerned to find out the event, which ran from 11am-4pm on Sunday, clashed with England’s huge quarter-final victory against Sweden at 3pm.

She said: “We knew there was a chance that England might get through but we weren’t sure.

“I wanted them to win but I was worried no one would come!”

She said many people were able to come to the event earlier in the day and get home in time to watch the game, which England won 2-0.

The team will now play Croatia in the semi-finals of the World Cup on Wednesday at 7pm.

The celebration follows the NHS’ 70th anniversary on Thursday, with events held across the country.

Attendees at the Bolton event were presented with exhibitions from a range of British organisations, including an exhibit of ambulances from throughout history, brought by staff from the North West Ambulance Service.

There were also representatives from many of the hospital’s wards, who set up stalls or games for visitors to try.

Along with stalls, the celebration included a raffle in which people could win a £1,500 computer system or a pair of boxing gloves signed by stars Anthony Joshua and Tony Bellew.

In addition, there were musical features throughout the day, with performances coming from Bolton Warblers, Bolton Ukulele Group and the Cancer Voices Choir.