Today, Labour's John Mann MP has launched on his website a children's birthday card competition to encourage local families to help say 'Happy Birthday' to our local health service.

On the 5 July the NHS is 60 years old – a huge achievement and a lifeline to generations of families living in and around Bassetlaw. John Mann MP has been taking the 'proud of the NHS' message out into the community.

To help say thank you to the NHS and local staff John has launched a children's birthday card competition. The competition runs until the end of the month and invites all schoolchildren in Bassetlaw to take part.

John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw said: "The NHS has provided generations of care to families in Bassetlaw and helped to make a real difference to people's lives. In a way, we've all grown up with the NHS and it is hard to imagine a world without it."

"To help say 'thank you' to the NHS and all the staff who work in it - from nurses and doctors through to the ambulance drivers and cleaners who keep it all going - we want you to help design a card to say - Happy Birthday to our NHS in Bassetlaw."

Mann further commented: "The NHS was set up in 1948 by the Labour Government. At its heart was the promise that every single person is entitled to the best possible care and treatment regardless of wealth. Today, these principles continue to make the NHS the fairest and best health service in the world."

See more information at www.johnmannmp.com/nhs_birthday_card

Download the form for more information:

On my website:

• Are you proud of the NHS at 60? Poll
• Are you proud of your NHS? Petition
• John Mann MP interviews Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health
• John Mann in the Worksop Guardian: 4 July 2008

External links:

• The main page for 'Proud of the NHS'
• Ask Alan Johnson, Secretary of State for Health, your questions
• Help those who care for us and our families by donating

 John Mann MP is not responsible for the content of external links