Residents gathered in celebration of the NHS's 76th anniversary at a tea party at Watford General Hospital.
The NHS Big Tea party was arranged by West Herts Hospitals Charity on Friday, in an effort to raise funds for patients and staff and celebrate the health service's birthday.
The outdoor event, staged at the Vicarage Road entrance, was funded by Watford Borough Council's Community Fund and featured an array of attractions.
These included a Bake-Off competition, which showcased a variety of delicious treats from Watford bakers, and live music from singer-songwriter Ky Lewis.
Among the Bake-Off judges were the charity's patron, the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, chief nurse Kelly McGovern, deputy chief nurse Melanie Chambers, and W3RT CVS lead for Watford Alex Murray.
(L-R) Melanie Chambers, deputy chief nurse, Siân Darvell, best-decorated cake winner, and Kelly McGovern, chief nurse (Image: West Herts Hospitals Charity)
The competition saw West Herts Hospitals' audiology waiting list coordinator, Masuma Punjani, take top honours with her sponge cake decorated with raspberries, and cardamon cookies, winning both "best cake" and "best cookie."
Meanwhile, Siân Darvell, director of Collie Print, won the accolade for the "best-decorated cake".
Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity, which raises funds to improve patient care and staff wellbeing beyond what the NHS can afford, said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us for our Big Tea Party.
"This event was a fantastic way to celebrate our beloved NHS and raise vital funds for our hospitals."
The funds raised at the event will directly contribute to the Wellbeing Garden appeal – a hospital initiative aiming to transform an old courtyard into a serene garden for patients and staff at Watford General's Women's and Children's Services building.
The charity also extended its thanks to Wenzels, Bushey Synagogue - Bushey Gives Back Committee, Bridgewater Home Care in Watford, and Peabody's Coffee for their generous cake donations and support on the day.
The primary purpose of the West Herts Hospitals Charity is to enhance patient care at Hemel Hempstead, St Albans City, and Watford General hospitals.
This support comes via charitable donations to help fund the procurement of the latest and most advanced technology, environmental enhancements, staff expansion, and extra patient comforts, beyond what the NHS provides.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here