A SPECIAL event to mark the National Health Service's 70th birthday will be held in Bangor next month.

"Celebrating Success" will take place at the entrance to Ysbyty Gwynedd from 11am on Saturday, July 7.

Those attending are being encouraged to bring their own picnics and banners to help show their appreciation to those who are, or have in the past, represented the NHS.

There will be music, speeches and stands taking place throughout the day and there will also be Thank You cards for the public to sign.

A spokesperson for the Service said: "The NHS is in many ways a Welsh success.

"Its champion was Nye Bevan, Minister for Health, in the 1945 Labour Government. He was much influenced by the hardship he saw and experienced in Tredegar before the Welfare State was created.

"As Minister of Health, he piloted the legislation, which led to the birth of the NHS in 1948."

Mr Bevan believed that "The essence of a satisfactory Health Service is that the rich and poor are treated alike."

Despite its many ups and downs, the NHS has been a source of hope, help and inspiration to millions.

One of the aims of the event on July 7 is to celebrate its success and to thank the tireless efforts of all who work in the Service, both past and present.