NEWLY-qualified nurses enjoyed a fun-filled ceremony to mark International Nurses’ Day.

The event marks the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday in 1820.

At Colchester General Hospital, the nurses took part in a range of activities, including pin the organ on the body, operation and building a skeleton.

Sam Hepplewhite, chief officer at the North East Essex Clinical Commissioning Group, said the event was an opportunity for nurses to think about the ways they help and support patients.

She said: “Our nurses, matrons and auxiliaries in the NHS and within our provider organisations are very special people.

“Their dedication, skill and hard work is an inspiration to us all.”

According to healthcareers.nhs.uk, an “adult nurse” (Band 5) earns between £22,128 and £28,746.