NINE Tavistock nurses, who between them have chalked up decades of health care in the town, celebrated their half-century together with a huge party for family, friends and colleagues recently.

The nine women all work as trained nurses and health care workers for the medical ward ? the longest serving having been at the hospital for 27 years.

As well as being a celebration, the joint party to mark their 50th birthdays will also raise funds for charity ? the ladies asked for donations for Cancer Research in lieu of presents.

Pictured celebrating are Teresa Rands, Ros Leach, Sheila Edwards, Rosie Primmer, Jackie Oxby, Vanessa Jenks, Tina Wadling and Heather Blacher. Not pictured: Judith Venner.