AWARDS have been presented to long-serving staff at Bradford District Care Trust who have clocked up more than 1,375 years services between them.

There were 52 honours given out to workers including including school nurses, office staff, health visitors, occupational therapists, podiatrists, staff nurses and doctors who were honoured with certificates commemorating 25 and 40 years’ service in the NHS.

Among them was Mavis Holmes who is a Community Staff Nurse at Haigh Hall Medical Centre in Greengates and has reached a milestone of 40 years’ service.

She started out as a cadet nurse in 1972 and retires this year, she said: “Nursing has been such a big part of my life, I will be sad to leave, but I’m looking forward to spending time with my family. I plan to volunteer by sitting and having a cuppa and chat with patients.”

The awards were presented by Trust chairman Mike Smith and Director of Human Resources and Organisation Development, Sandra Knight.

Mr Smith said: “Our awards ceremony has recognised outstanding commitment and dedication to working in the NHS and is one of my favourite events of the year. I would like to congratulate and thank each recipient for their valuable years of service.”

Also celebrating his long-service was Jim Wilson, a Lead Nurse Mental Health Liaison who worked his last shift last week, retiring after 39 years with the NHS.

Mr Wilson, from Keighley, has worked in mental health services for the last 32 years at both Airedale General Hospital and The Bradford Royal Infirmary, previously he was a staff nurse on surgical wards, general medicine and intensive care.

His childhood dream had been to become a nurse after being inspired by the people who cared for him when he broke his arm aged nine - the highlight of his career went on to winning the Care Trust's Team Leader of Year in 2010 at its annual staff award ceremony.

“Receiving the Star Award was extremely humbling. The best thing about my job is helping people. My career has been tremendous and such an exciting journey,” he said.