WHETHER they are the top-level consultants or the nurses working the night shifts, our NHS staff are undoubtedly our heroes.

On Thursday July 5 the NHS – free healthcare and everyone’s right - turns 70 and we want you to celebrate the birthday with us.

In recent years the demands on our NHS been greater than ever before in north Essex which is growing bigger by the year.

The hundreds of staff at Colchester General Hospital and Walk-In Centre in Turner Road, and Essex County Hospital in Lexden Road, are just some of those who deserve recognition.

It also takes a special someone to work in mental health or manage the pressures of being a paramedic.

Back in 1948 health secretary Aneurin Bevan launched the NHS at Park Hospital in Manchester bringing together, hospitals, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, opticians and dentists under one umbrella organisation for the first time.

At that time Colchester had a total of eight hospitals which became part of the NHS, meaning they were paid for by the public’s taxes.

Today the only two to remain are Colchester General Hospital and Essex County Hospital – the latter of which will close its doors for good this autumn.

Healthcare is evolving and coming under more pressure all the time.

It’s time to stand back and say thank you to those special people who give care on the frontline.

If you have an NHS Hero who you feels is deserving of recognition in the Daily Gazette, we want to hear from you.

Contact Andrea Collitt, chief reporter, on 01206 508459 or at andrea.collitt@newsquest.co.uk providing your nominee’s name, job, place of work and reason for your nomination no later than Monday July 2.