A SISTER of a nurse at Royal Bolton Hospital teamed up with her childhood friend to make a thank-you banner for staff.

Wendy Gregson and Sandra Stewart spent two weeks making the 35 ft long sign which was put up in the hospital carpark.

The banner featured messages of appreciation, rainbows and drawings of clapping hands. Previously Sandra had made a sign along with her neighbours which was put up in Breightmet.

Wendy's sister Lucinda Gould works as a nurse at the hospital, where in specialises in caring for patients after theatre operations.

The two friends would work at either end of the fabric banner, its impressive length allowing social distancing to be respected.

Wendy, who lives in the town centre, said: "I just wanted to show my appreciation for all the hard work that they're doing.

"We're so lucky to have a hospital like ours, its a place that's been there for me throughout my life, my children were born there, my sister works there, and I wanted to do something to say thank-you.

"My sister was quite shocked when she saw it, she didn't know it was going up by the hospital, the staff have said that it's really thoughtful.

"It's a shame because they've had to take it down now due to the weather which had damaged it, but it's nice they could have seen it for a few days. It made me happy to be able to say thank you for all the work they are doing right now."