THE closure of Hereford's Victoria Eye Hospital will be a sad day for one city woman who has been receiving treatment from the 'wonderful staff' for 53 years.

Heather Knight, of Moor Farm, is registered blind and has been attending the hospital in Eign Street since she was just seven years old.

She believes the quality of her life has been vastly improved by the excellent treatment she has received from specialists and nurses.

"I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who has worked at the hospital over the years. I couldn't have asked for a better service," she explained.

Heather added that she became the youngest person in Hereford to have a cataract operation back in 1976 and has been having regular check-ups her whole life.

"I get on with everybody there and they all make me feel very welcome. It will be a great shame when they close it," she added.