LIFELONG supporters of a community hospital have been honoured in a ceremony celebrating their tireless work for the cause.

To acknowledge the work of John Spink and Peter Land in aid of the Marlow Community Hospital, the League of Friends has renovated the garden of the Victoria Road health centre.

A commemorative sundial has been installed to honour the work of the two stalwarts, as Mr Land retires from 40 years working with the League of Friends for the hospital.

And Mr Land, along with the late Dr. Spink’s wife Pat Spink, attended a presentation on July 22, where they were formally recognised for their work in support of the hospital, formerly known as Marlow Cottage Hosptial.

Hospital Friends secretary Jo Brarybrooke said: "The renovation of the garden at the back of the hospital and the installation of commemorative sundial was arranged by the League of Friends.

"Peter Land and Pat Spink attended a presentation with their families and were delighted with the garden which is now fit for patients and staff to enjoy - what better way to recuperate than being outside in a lovely area.

"The sundial was greeted with great enthusiasm and the evening was full of chat and memories including those of the visit by Princess Diana."

Mr Land was also presented with a framed collage of the events which have taken place at his beloved hospital during his four decades work, including the royal visit in 1991.

Last week, the NHS hospital received an award from Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust and University of Bedfordshire for its support of student nurses.

Marlow Community Hospital provides a range of services, including podiatry, speech therapy and urology, as well as a team of district nurses visiting people in their own home.