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The 24 nurses came to Burnley when there was a national shortage of staff and soon became known for their friendly kindliness to patients.

The thanksgiving Mass was celebrated by two visiting Filipino priests, Fr Joseph and Fr Larry, together with former hospital chaplain Fr Frank Jennings, at St John’s RC Church and was followed by a party at the parish hall in Ivy Street.

Organiser Mrs Anely Cubillan, of Claughton Street, Burnley, said: “Our group first met one another when we got off the plane at Heathrow and boarded the coach for Burnley.

“We have been very happy here, although we miss our families and friends back home. We received a warm welcome from our colleagues in the health service and from the parishioners at St John’s.”

The party was also a reunion for the nurses because they were able to meet up with friends who had gone on to work in other hospitals but rejoined them for the celebration.

Parish priest Fr Michael Waters said: “The Filipino nurses were quickly appreciated for their gentle caring attitude and their joyful generosity to the patients. Their strong Catholic faith and family life is an inspiration to everyone”.