More than 200 people turned up at street stall to sign a giant birthday card for the NHS.

The National Health Service turned 70 last Thursday and well-wishers signed at both Deal High Street and then Biggin Street in Dover on Saturday.

These were at stalls set up by Dover and Deal Labour Party as part of the nationwide week of celebrations for the NHS.

It was set up by Health Minister Aneurin Bevan on July 5, 1948 to provide free healthcare at the point of need.

Charlotte Cornell, the area's prospective Parliamentary Labour candidate, said:“The NHS means so much to me.

"Three years ago the staff at Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital in Margate saw my son and I through a traumatic birth and I just cannot thank the doctors, nurses and technicians enough.

"The stalls card signing was all about celebrating our hard-working NHS staff and all those who believe, as the Labour Party does, that universal healthcare should always be free at the point of need.”

The birthday card, produced by the Labour Party, was chosen following a nationwide online competition.

Mrs Cornell plans to deliver to the card to NHS workers on Thursday at Buckland Hospital, in Dover to pay thanks for their care work dedication.

Ann Napier, district councillor for Dover's Maxton, Elms Vale and Priory district ward, said: “It was wonderful to celebrate the 70th anniversary of our NHS with people from across the district

this weekend.

" I loved hearing the stories from so many people who had been helped and to share my own stories.

"The incredible staff in the NHS saved the lives of both my husband and son, and safely delivered my four children. I will always be indebted to them.

"It was particularly touching to hear the story of devastation faced by one family because they couldn’t afford health care in the days before the NHS.

"This highlighted to me how important it is that the NHS returns to its core values; publicly funded, publicly accountable and publicly provided.”

Over the last 70 years, the NHS has transformed the health and wellbeing of the nation and become the envy of the world."

North Deal district councillor Bill Gardner, explained why he is proud of the NHS.

“Before the NHS was created people used to worry about how to pay for a doctor’s appointment or an operation.

"We have now chased that wolf from the door. People no longer have that worry, thankfully.

"The NHS is a vital part of British society and it was wonderful to celebrate 70 years since it’s creation with the people of Deal.”