Can you believe it is 25 years since the Royal Preston Hospital opened its doors to patients?

Built close to the former Sharoe Green Hospital, the Royal Preston replaced the old Preston Royal Infirmary, now a housing complex in Deepdale Road.

For the staff and patients it was a state-of-the-art medical centre with new and modern facilities. The physiotherapy department was the first to open with outpatients attending on January 12, 1981.

People came to the hospital in their hundreds to see the late Diana Princess of Wales officially unveil a plaque to mark its official opening in June of that year.

Janet Hadfield, 49, a modern matron for paediatrics, has worked at the hospital since it opened after her department moved from Sharoe Green in September 1981.

"Everything was new, you could still smell the paint," said Mrs Hadfield, from Fulwood.

"All the equipment was new but many things that were new then have changed now.

" The nurses wore skirts, not pants like now, the ward sisters were more strict, the equipment has got more technical and the hospital has expanded."

In June 1997 the Duke of Gloucester officially opened the Lancashire and Lakeland Radiotherapy Unit and five years later the Sexual Assault Forensic Examination Centre was opened by Princess Anne.

These days, the hospital has developed into one of the region's best medical resources. May 2000 saw the opening of a new £3.7million cancer unit, and last year, following the closure of the Sharoe Green site, a new £17 maternity and gynaecology unit was opened.

A £6million rehabilitation centre for stroke victims and a state-of-the-art Education Centre was opened in December 2004.

To celebrate the hospital's 25th anniversary youngsters are invited to draw or paint a card or poster depicting what the hospital means to them.

Various prizes are up for grabs and the competition is open to different age groups, from three-16.

Youngsters should write their name, age, address and telephone number on the back of their entry.

Post your card or poster to the Playroom, Ward 5, Royal Preston Hospital, Sharoe Green Lane, Preston