The Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital was heaving - but for a very good reason as it threw open its doors for a celebratory open day to mark its 10th anniversary.

For visitors the open day on Saturday was a chance to see behind the scenes, find out more about a career at the hospital and to have some fun.

For the hospital staff it was an opportunity to show the community how much they have been doing since the N&N was first built in Colney Lane in 2001, as well as raising funds for its Cots for Tots appeal.

Tina Patience, 32, from Old Catton, brought along her three-month-old son Luke and five-year-old daughter Emma, and they had moulds made of their hands in the Colney Centre.

She said: 'We just saw the day advertised and Emma's very interested in hospitals and bodies and how they work, so we thought we'd bring her to show her around.

'It's been really interesting and there's been lots of things for the children to go to keep them entertained. Emma has really enjoyed herself.'

Hospitals are not the sort of workplace where you can normally bring your children, so for many of the staff it was a chance for them to show their families where they work and what they do.

Anaesthetist Kamal Al-Naimi enjoyed the chance to show his seven-year-old daughter Deema the operating theatre and for her to having a go at washing her hands and trying on scrubs.

Dr Al-Naimi, from Three Score, said: 'The whole event has been really good. Deema has always wanted to come here to have a look and it's a great opportunity for her to see part of what I do.'

Other highlights included a Battle of Britain flypast, the chance to meet Fred the Pharmacy Robot and to walk through a giant inflatable colon which was set up to raise awareness about bowel cancer.

The main drop off point at the hospital, where the bus stops are, was cordoned off and decorated with bunting and an array of village fete style stalls and games.

Proceeds from the day will go towards the Cots for Tots appeal, which is raising �500,000 for four new premature baby incubators for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

To support the appeal, visit www.justgiving.com/norwichnicu or send a cheque payable to the NNUH NHS Foundation Trust – with 'NICU Cot Expansion Fund F300' written on the back of the cheque – to Communications, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Colney Lane, Norwich, NR4 7UY.

Don't forget to buy Monday's paper for more on how the open day went.