HOSPICE staff have been honoured for their dedication to caring for people with life-limiting illnesses.

Dr Robert Hunt and Peter Smith have been working at St Anne’s Hospice, Little Hulton, for a combined total of 30 years.

They were presented with long-service awards by the Mayor of Salford, Cllr Roger Lightup, at a ceremony which honoured more than 40 staff and volunteers. Peter Smith joined the hospice as a member of staff 10 years ago, doing maintenance and van driving. Now, at the age of 70, he gives his services to cover emergencies, absences and holidays.

Mr Smith, who lives in Blackrod, said: "The hospice is such a wonderful place with wonderful staff and I have enjoyed it so much that I can see myself doing more there on a voluntary basis in future."

Bolton’s Dr Hunt is one of three staff members to have been employed by the hospice for 20 years.

Terry McDonnell, chief executive, said: “We rely on our hard-working staff and all of our fantastic volunteers to help deliver a first class service to patients and their families. I would like to say a big ‘thank you’ to each and every one of them for their dedication.”

Forty three staff and volunteers, who have given a total of 880 years service, were also honoured with awards.