They are all unsung heroes in their own right and among the many dedicated and caring staff at West Suffolk Hospital.

And over 100 of them have been honoured at the annual Shining Lights Award ceremony to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months.

Held in the staff’s restaurant, in the grounds of the hospital in Bury St Edmunds, many told of their thrill to be nominated and paid tribute to the hundreds of other workers who also go that extra mile in their roles but just failed to make this year’s awards.

During the event, individuals, volunteers and teams who have gone above and beyond the call of duty, were recognised and congratulated, as well as those who have thought up new innovations to improve care and the experience which patients have while using the hospital.

All of those who received recognition were nominated for the award by their colleagues.

Radiologist Michelle Bell, who lives in the town, said: “It’s so lovely to be recognised for the work that you put in and the awards are fantastic and great for people to be honoured.”

The 39-year-old mum-of-two, who has been at the hospital for three years was the cover girl for the awards brochure and said she was delighted to be featured on the front page.

Estate gardeners David Cracknell and Cerne Deverell are often seen in their yellow jackets tidying up the grounds, keeping it free of rubbish or planting flowers and shrubs.

They have also been busy replacing trees blown over during the winter gales but both love their job.

David, who lives in Bury, has been at the hospital for 35 years starting work at the site when he was 17, while Cerne, who comes from Stowmarket, is marking 18 months.

“I think we probably put back more trees than were taken out during the storms,” said Cerne.

“And it’s great to be recognised for the work that we do round the hospital,” added David.

Porters Barry Richard, James Scott and Daniel Johnsson have to be among the fittest members of staff as they often clock up between 10 and 12 miles a day during a shift as they transport patients round the wards, move the food, laundry and rubbish.

But all three love their jobs.

Barry, who lives in Fornham St Martin, has been at the hospital for two years, James, from Great Cornard, five, and Daniel, from Bury, two.

But for all three its a kind of labour of love.

“It’s so good to be recognised for our work,” said Barry. “But there are many, many others who do likewise. We still do not know who nominated us but it is a real honour.”

Those comments were echoed by his two colleagues and Daniel added: “Being recognised for the work we do is really special.”

Long service awards were also handed out to over 60 members of staff who have served 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years.

Roger Quince, chairman of West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It is a great pleasure to celebrate the staff whose hard work and dedication has made a real difference to the lives of those using West Suffolk Hospital over the past 12 months.

“These individuals and teams have all gone the extra mile to put patients first and make sure they have the best possible experience. As well as maintaining a constant focus on quality, they show compassion and kindness to patients and colleagues alike, play a key role in driving through improvement projects and make sure they treat everyone with respect and courtesy.

“My congratulations and thanks go to all of our worthy winners, who set a great example to others.”