STAFF and volunteers at Leighton Hospital have celebrated the medical complex's 50th birthday.

They marked fifty years to the day since Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Crewe medical complex by sharing memories past and present. 

Phil Malam, the longest-serving staff member at Mid Cheshire Hospitals Foundation Trust, cut the anniversary cake and was thanked by trust chairman, Dennis Dunn, for dedicating his working life to Leighton.

Phil started working at Leighton Hospital just days before the Queen visited back in May 1972.

The celebrations featured International Day of the Midwife, which also falls today, with the work of the midwifery team in the spotlight when Lily Niblett was born at 10.21am this morning to proud parents Catherine Pritchard and Dan Niblett, supported by midwife Linda Hinton.

The Queen pictured on the official opening of Leighton Hospital in 1972.

Jenny Butters, Head of Midwifery, said: "As well as being Leighton Hospital's 50th it's also a celebratory day for midwives around the world which makes it extra special for our midwives delivering babies born today."

The hospital held a 50th Birthday Cake competition with Sam West, aged three, William Minshull, aged 11 and Daisy Issabella Johnson, aged nine, taking the top three prizes which were presented by senior nurse leads, Sian Axon, Laura Egerton and Laura McVeigh at Wimboldsley Community Primary near Middlewich.

The trust's chairman said: "It's a privilege to celebrate Leighton Hospital's 50th anniversary with the fabulous staff and volunteers who make the hospital the special place that it is.

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"As we look back over the past five decades I want to thank each and every person who has played their part in building the Leighton Hospital story, caring for our communities across Cheshire, and to our community for supporting us throughout."

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust manages Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.

As the landmark anniversary year starts today the hospital trust is calling out to the community for memories and photos from the past 50 years.