HOSPITAL volunteers have been thanked for their help with a celebratory coffee morning.

More than 750 people volunteer at the St Helens and Whiston hospitals, helping in ways such as visiting and spending time with patients, meeting and greeting visitors, supporting hospital staff and assisting the spiritual care team. The trust held the event to thank volunteers and show appreciation for the part they play in providing care.

Ann Marr, chief executive of St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “The smooth running of the hospitals would not be possible without the involvement of our wonderful volunteers.

"They generously give their time to help the trust provide excellent care and services and on behalf of our patients, visitors and staff I would like to sincerely thank each of them.”

The annual event is also an opportunity to raise awareness of volunteering and inspire more people to make a difference in their local community.

The trust welcomes enquiries from anyone who wishes to offer their time and get involved in volunteering. For more information about how you could help, call the voluntary services department on 0151 430 1874.