A charity walk to raise money for a hospital was opened by one its oldest former patients.

Mary Tye, 96, of Claygate, Surrey, cut the ribbon at the Buttercup Walk at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Brockley Hill, on Sunday.

Mary was recently treated for a spinal chord injury at the Stanmore facility.

This year the event was widely attended and raised money towards providing a new ultrasound machine for babies.

Along with the one-mile walk around the grounds, entertainment was provided by Barnet band The Rockin’ Bones and performers from the Stagecoach drama school from Stanmore.

Blythewood vets hosted a dog show with awards given for skills such as ‘best sausage catcher’ and raised money for the RNOS and RSCPCA NW Middlesex.

Since the event started 15 years ago the hospital have raised more than £500,000.

Consultant orthopaedic surgeon and Buttercup Walk Chairman Peter Calder said: “We are so grateful to everyone who came along to show their support, and our staff and volunteers."