Nurses from all over Chester have been meeting up annually for a service, lunch and chat for around 40 years.

Originally instigated by Royal Infirmary matron Miss Vivian Smith in the 1970s the annual reunion has taken place since then.

Miss Smith was a prime instigator in the creation of the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford.

Chester nurses at their final reunion, in the Wesleyan Methodist Church, in St John Street, Chester on October 3 2015

Over the years many practising and retired nurses have attended regularly, but with numbers now at an all time low, it has reluctantly been decided that this year is the last time the group will meet.

Many lasting friendships have been forged over the years, and will continue on an informal basis.