THE BBC's Songs of Praise programme is to pay tribute to those who work in the National Health Service with an edition filmed at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

The programme will be introduced by actor Dan Rymer, who stars in hospital drama Casualty. Filming will begin on Friday.

It is being made by Maidstone-based company Peter Williams Television, which has done a number of editions of Songs of Praise, including two last year from the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.

Mr Williams said: "It will be in St Mary Bredin Church and will be broadcast in June.

"The Canterbury hospital is under threat of downgrading and we shall reflect the spirit and faith of those who day after day read the criticisms of the health service, feel the political pressures and yet keep on giving the patients the care they deserve."

Mr Williams said he had spoken to the hospital and gained the support of staff and the trust before taking the idea to the BBC.

"I waited until after the trust's decision because this is not a political programme, but a reminder of the people who care for patients while the arguments go on around them," he said. "We approached Dan Rymer because we want to cross between the pretend world of Casualty and the real world of the NHS."

The edition will include performances by the King's School Crypt Choir and will feature the congregation, hospital staff and ambulance crews. Hospital spokesman Jim Murray said: "We are extremely pleased this programme will give people the chance to see the hard work, commitment and positive contribution our staff make to the care of patients."