FINAL DAY: There was sadness as a much-needed service in Lowestoft closed its doors,

Lowestoft's Day Hospital closed for the last time three weeks ago, after providing a vital service to townspeople who have needed a bit of 'tender loving care'.

A spokesman for the Friends Supporting Lowestoft Healthcare said Lowestoft's Day Hospital had been running for 33 years.

'It started giving care for four days per week, but in 2006, this was cut to two days per week,' the spokesman said. 'It is conservatively estimated that some 65,000 people have benefitted from this service.'

Help given to people over the years has included a bath and hair wash, a change of medical dressings, chiropody, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and, until the hospital kitchen closed, a hot meal.

Rosemary Wilson, who has been a volunteer at the Day Hospital for 12 years, said: 'It has been hard work, but enjoyable and worth it'.

Pictured are staff, volunteers and patients at the Day Hospital on the final day.