A HOSPICE held a party to celebrate its 30th anniversary.

More than 100 patients, staff and guests visited Pendleside Hospice in Reedley to mark the special occasion.

Guest of honour was Lord Shuttleworth, the Lieutenant of Lancashire, who attended the inaugural meeting organised by solicitor Muriel Jobling to arrange the setting up of the hospice on October 5, 1988.

He said: “I have been president ever since and it is a great privilege to be joining in these special celebrations.”

Thirty years on Helen McVey, Pendleside’s chief executive, said the hospice now cares for over 1500 people each year, around 1,000 patients and 500 patient family members and carers.

David Brown, chairman of the hospice, said: “Pendleside has become a beacon of hope for patients and their families. Pendleside will continue to innovate and adapt to the needs of the community.

“When the hospice first started it was 99 per cent caring for cancer patients. But now it cares for a much diverse range of life limiting conditions including dementia.”

Lord Shuttleworth was joined by Pendle MP Andrew Stephenson, the Mayor and Mayoress of Pendle James and Janet Starkie, the Mayor of Burnley Charlie Briggs, Burnley Council chief executive Mick Cartledge along with trustees, volunteers, business leaders and friends of the Colne Road hospice.