LABOUR party members across Cumnock and Doon Valley are planting roses to celebrate 70 years of the NHS.

The party’s shadow health minister Anas Sarwar visited Glennie House in Auchinleck yesterday (Tuesday) to plant the first of 70 roses across the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley constituency.

Carol Mochan is chairperson of the local Labour group and she explained why they chose to mark the anniversary in this way.

“We wanted to do something to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS and One of our members came up with the idea of 70 red roses.

“We had a wee play about with that and we decided that we are going to plant 70 across Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley. We’re going to pick somewhere in each ward for the roses to go.

“Glennie House is one of the places that very kindly agreed and we’ve got other places – community gardens, some older members are going to get some planted in their garden.

“If any members have a new baby this year, we’re hoping we can plant one in their garden.

“It really is just a celebration of what the NHS is for our communities.”

Glasgow MSP Mr Sarwar added: “We are here celebrating 70 years of the National Health Service, the Labour party’s greatest ever achievement.

“I loved the idea of planting a rose to celebrate 70 years of the NHS. It is my pleasure to come here and support such great Labour campaigners. This area has got a great Scottish history and a great Labour history.”

East Ayrshire councillors Neil McGhee and Billy Crawford welcomed Mr Sarwar to Glennie House.

Cllr Crawford said: “As a Labour councillor I am proud of the NHS.

“Coming here let’s him [Mr Sarwar] know as a politician that there are many places that need help with care in the community.”