HEALTH staff have been rewarded for their long service at an awards ceremony.

Fifty-five employees of Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust were presented with a specially commissioned long service badge, an engraved plaque celebrating the number of years they have served, and a gift.

Those rewarded have served the NHS for 25, 35 and 40 years.

The ceremony, at Harrogate District Hospital, was attended by family members and friends.

Trust chairman Dr Albert Day said: "It is a great delight to recognise the huge contribution to the community made by these members of staff - between them they have served 1,650 years in the NHS, which is truly remarkable.

"This event goes some way to celebrate and recognise their outstanding commitment."