A CHAMPAGNE reception marked the 10th anniversary of the opening of Ledbury’s community hospital.

More than 40 guests attended, including Ledbury MP Bill Wiggin and the town’s deputy mayor Terry Widdows at the event at the Community Health and Care Centre in Market Street.

Current residents included 98-year-old Enid Bell and 97-year-old Rod Wilczynski, who have lived at the home since it opened.

Community groups, including Ledbury Art Society, League of Friends, Community Choir and Women’s Institute were also in attendance and were given tours of the community hospital, which was decked out in banners and balloons for the occasion.

The 4,054 sq metre centre cost around £3.5 million when it was built on the site of the old Ledbury livestock market, and it replaced the existing Ledbury Cottage Hospital.

Alun Thomas, chairman of Shaw healthcare, a partner in the hospital, said: “This is a very proud day for everyone associated with Ledbury Community Health and Care Centre.

“Over the past 10 years we’ve seen the facilities here go from strength-tostrength, and today it provides a vital service to the community and surrounding areas.

“Our anniversary marks a great opportunity for us to pay tribute to those that have made this past decade such a success, not least our many dedicated nurses, consultants and care workers that work tirelessly to ensure that residents and service users are given the very best care possible.”

The centre includes three separate specialist care facilities, including a purpose-built nursing home which has 36 single rooms, a 10-bed acquired brain injury unit and an intermediate care unit providing short-stay rehabilitation for up to 14 NHS patients.