A HAMPSHIRE hospice is inviting back past volunteers and staff for a reunion marking 25 years of success.

Countess Mountbatten House in Botley Road, West End, opened in 1977 under the directorship of Dr Richard Hillier and was only the second of its kind in the country.

After being presented with two awards for its excellence in service and for its education and training programme this year, the hospice is seeking out old recruits to join in a coffee morning in January.

Staff are looking for anyone who was employed there since its opening and have been instrumental in helping them to gain their beacon awards.

They are also asking ex-employees to track down old pictures or mementos from their time at the hospital. Anyone interested in coming along should call Nicky Gibbons on 023 8047 5322.