Hinchingbrooke Hospital porter Adrian Gillett has won a prestigious national award at a ceremony to recognise the hard work and dedication of non-medical NHS staff.

Adrian, known as Adie to his colleagues, has worked at the hospital for seven years and was nominated for an Unsung Hero Award by nurse Michelle Gray.

The Unsung Hero Awards are the only national award for non-medical/non-clinical NHS and healthcare staff and volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty.

Adie said: “I would like to thank everybody for all the support I have received and all the nice comments I have read on social media. I have been overwhelmed by all of it.

“It was a fantastic evening and if I got the opportunity to go again I definitely would.”

He added: “I didn’t think I would win because there was such strong competition. I’m honoured and proud to put Hinchingbrooke on the map.”

Adie works for Hinchingbrooke’s patient services team and is permanently based in the x-ray department.

He said: “Sometimes, I’m one of the first people a patient meets and lots of them are nervous. I like to try and put them at ease as much as I can, especially the elderly patients. I tell them they only have to smile for the camera.

“Over the years you get to know families, which is nice. If I can help somebody, I will. I try to put myself in their shoes. It’s nice to see a friendly face and have a chat.”

Michelle said: “I have worked at Hinchingbrooke since I was 17 and although there are a great many fantastic staff that I have met, Adie goes that extra mile. I nominated Adie on behalf of myself and on behalf of patients and relatives past, present and future.”

Eric Fehily, the hospital’s director of estates and facilities, said: “This is a tremendous achievement for Adie and the fantastic team at Hinchingbrooke. Many congratulations go to Adie and the great work he does for our patients.”

The award ceremony took place on February 23 at The Principal Hotel, in Manchester.