A special service of thanksgiving will be held to celebrate 45 years of hospice care on the Isle of Wight.

The Bishop of Portsmouth, the Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, will address the service at All Saints’ Church, Ryde, on Thursday 12 May, and anyone is welcome to attend.

It is one of a number of events planned by Mountbatten this year to mark 45 years since hospice care began on the Island.

“We want as many members of our community to come along as possible and join us on this important occasion,” said Nigel Hartley, Mountbatten CEO.

“The service is an opportunity to give thanks to the community for their tremendous support, which has ensured Mountbatten can continue to care for patients and their families over all these years.

“Mountbatten belongs to everyone, and this is a celebration of their contribution because, without the support of our community, we simply could not be there for the growing number of people who need us on the Island.”

Past and present staff and volunteers will be present, along with patients, carers and fundraising supporters.

The service will include a performance from the Mountbatten Community Choir and anyone attending is invited to stay for refreshments afterwards.

Due to limited parking at the church, guests are advised to use the nearby public car parks in Garfield Road or Lind Street.

The service starts at 3pm.