NURSES and staff at Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle, marked the 72nd anniversary of the NHS by tucking into 72 specially baked cupcakes.
Organised by Friends of Richardson Hospital, the cupcakes were prepared by professional baker Susan Rigg.
The baking also raised additional cash for the friends group.
Iris Hillery, from the group, said: “Susan Rigg had the bright idea of getting the cupcakes sponsored by friends and customers.”
It took her about an hour to prepare the cupcakes with a range of icing including chocolate, strawberries and cream, and salted caramel.
Each cupcake had a small wafer with the NHS logo and a rainbow printed on them.
Ms Hillery said the friends group had been active throughout the coronavirus lockdown period and amongst other things had volunteers replanting the garden.
She added: “We have been buying things like little treats for the hospital during this period.
“The hospital has tried to be business as usual, but there have been some clinics cancelled. The warfarin clinic continued and they are starting up the retinal screening.”