THE important contribution nurses make to patients and their families was recognised during a day of celebration.

Staff gathered for the third Nightingale Award - the climax of a day-long event celebrating nursing and midwifery at South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust.

The award is an opportunity for nursing staff at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, and the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, to receive recognition for their work.

More than 50 nominations were received from patients, their families, colleagues and managers at both hospitals.

The winners were both cardiac nurses - Jeanette Holden, acting deputy divisional manager and a lead nurse, and Annette Johnson, manager for cardiac outpatients and rehabilitation.

They both joined the trust more than 20 years ago.

The two nurses were nominated by a colleague for leading and developing a cardiac educational course.

The course has been included in the portfolio at the University of Teesside since 1998, and more than 400 staff have completed it so far.

Mrs Holden said: "Being nominated for the Nightingale Award was a great honour.

"We are especially proud when you consider the calibre of the excellent nominations in respect of dedicated nurses across the trust.

"To be overall winners was a wonderful accolade, not only for us, but for all the staff who have made an invaluable contribution by teaching on the course."