School pupils and community groups were invited to wear something blue to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the NHS.

The National Health Service first established in the UK on July 5 1948 and each year ELHT&Me invites the community to wear something blue and make a donation in support of their local NHS. 

This year's celebration also saw sporting clubs, community groups and workplaces mark the occasion across East Lancashire. 

Fundraisers were given a new pack featuring certificates, colouring sheets, rosettes, bunting to help with donations.

Head of charity at ELHT&Me, Denise Gee, said: "We are thrilled to see more people get involved each year.

"It's wonderful to see East Lancashire turned blue in celebration of our local NHS and we are grateful for the support of our community, raising funds to enhance our hospitals offerings.”

Participating nurseries and preschools this year included Little Acorns Nursery, Pendle Court Day Nursery, The Village Nursery, Bright Futures Nursery, Chatburn Preschool, Partou Habergham Nursery and Manor House Childcare. 

They hosted bake sales, colouring competitions, planted blue flowers and baked blue biscuits.

The ELHT&Me charity supports a number of initiatives at local hospitals to support patient comfort as well as providing specialist equipment and new technology in wards.