East Lancashire Hospice is celebrating its 40th anniversary this week as staff and volunteers enjoyed cake at a café in Blackburn.

On June 21, 40 years ago, founder Dr Merton Seigleman officially opened East Lancashire Hospice.

Last week, staff and volunteers at the hospice had an afternoon celebration exploring the hospice's past.

A spokesperson for East Lancashire Hospice said: "The team had a fantastic time this afternoon celebrating our 40th year in Café Retreat.

"Staff and volunteers enjoyed some delicious cake, and explored the hospice's heritage."

East Lancashire Hospice provides many different services that are available to people with life-limiting illnesses, their families and others important to them.

There is no set pattern for the services, each person is assessed and a plan is developed with health and well-being at the centre of it.

In 1981, Dr Seigleman launched the East Lancashire Hospice Appeal and in 1983, he laid the hospice foundation stone bringing the reality of the hospice to life.

Dr Merton Seigleman 

On June 21, 1984, the hospice officially opened and was the first hospice in East Lancashire.

In 1999 East Lancashire Hospice was incorporated as a charity and in 2008, the hospice became independent from the NHS.

Over the years the hospice has changed, but the focus on patient care has remained the main priority.

Over the next few weeks, East Lancashire Hospice will be sharing insights into its heritage to mark its 40th year.

To mark the anniversary, an event was held at Café Retreat, a place to relax and unwind with friends or family at the hospice that uses local produce to offer a varied menu at affordable prices.

It has three menus, which offer home-cooked breakfasts, lunches, lunch bites and desserts, as well as tea, coffee and a selection of refreshing drinks. 

All proceeds from the café go to the hospice to continue to care for patients, their families and carers in a time of need.