The NHS will be 60 years old this year and an SOS has gone out to the people of Herefordshire to help celebrate it.

The county's two trusts, the PCT and the hospital trust, want to paint a picture of the course of the health service locally over more than half a century.

They are planning to create a public exhibition of memorabilia, photographs, anecdotes and personal experiences of the NHS in Herefordshire through 60 years.

It will be displayed at the Chase Hotel in Ross-on-Wye on Monday, June 30, from 10am to 12.30pm and 2.30pm to 5pm and everyone is invited to attend.

But first, the two trusts want the public help to set up the exhibition by contributing to it.

Helen Playdon, communications manager at the PCT, said people and former patients with memories of the service over the years and those with items of memorabilia tucked away somewhere at home were in the best position to develop a true picture of the service.

A call has gone out to those able to provide a real life account and have a story to tell - funny, happy, sad or just plain odd and would be willing to record it.

Also wanted are retired health professionals able to describe how the NHS as an employer had changed, particularly terms and conditions, training and facilities available.

Thirdly, the organisers are looking for memorabilia such as old photographs, letters, documents and other pieces of NHS "history" such as nursing capes and badges, and much much more.

The 60th anniversary is described as a milestone for the NHS and a large public response is hoped for.

Any contributions should be sent to Helen Playdon, Herefordshire Primary Care Trust, Vaughan Building, Ruckhall Lane, Belmont, Hereford, HR2 9RP, call her on 01432 363975 or email helen.playdon@herefordpct.nhs.uk