Healthwatch Shropshire has celebrated its tenth anniversary with a special event.

Past and present staff and volunteers joined the high sheriff and leading figures in health and social care to mark ten years of gathering patient and service users' experiences to help improve services.

Lynn Cawley, Healthwatch Shropshire Chief Officer, said: “While thanking all of the dedicated staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly during these years to champion the voice of Shropshire patients and service users we were delighted to have the opportunity to mark this occasion by awarding Healthwatch Hero awards to three people who have been pivotal in this work."

The award winners were Jane Randall-Smith, former Healthwatch Shropshire chief officer, for establishing the trusted brand that is Healthwatch Shropshire and laying the groundwork for its continued success.

George Rook, former board member and active campaigner, was recognised for his passion and determination in highlighting the needs of people with dementia and their carers in Shropshire.

And Vanessa Barrett, one of the longest-standing board members, received an award for her dedicated service and support to Healthwatch Shropshire as both a volunteer and Chair of the Board.