I AM putting pen to paper for the first time as I feel as though I had too, having spent four days and three nights in ward 7 at Westmorland General Hospital, having had a total hip replacement.

I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to, firstly, the porters, who must travel many a mile a day and to cheerful cleaners, who do their job with a smile, often being asked to pass this and that to patients.

I would also like to thank the wonderful nurses, who were always cheerful and professional even after a 12-plus-hour shift and to the cooks and kitchen staff,who produced marvellous variable meals, making my stay at the hospital a lovely experience.

Also a big thank you to family and friends for their support, cards and offers of help it is very much appreciated

Brian Ellwood

New Hutton