IT was the day the world-famous NHS was born -and as always the Evening Times was first with the news.

Now 60 years on, the historic front page is to play a central part in the diamond celebrations of the health service in Scotland.

The headlines from July 5, 1948, will - together with patients' and workers' recollections - help tell the story of the NHS.

A special website has been set up by NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde which has been collecting archive footage and photography, patient stories and key landmark NHS moments.

The site - www.nhsggc.

org.uk/anniversary - offers staff, patients and the public information on events and activities planned to celebrate the important milestone, as well as looking to the future of new hospitals and services.

The website was launched as Health Secretary and Govan MSP Nicola Sturgeon revealed plans for marking the anniversary across Scotland.

Yesterday she visited a vintage ambulance in George Square and met 1940s NHS staff, school pupils and patients.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Today, 60 days before the 60th anniversary of the birth of the NHS in Scotland, I am delighted to launch the start of a wide variety of celebrations to mark the occasion.

"I am looking forward to meeting many staff, patients and members of the public and hearing many of the stories people have to tell about the past 60 years."

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde's director of communications, Ally McLaws, said the front page of the Evening Times on the day the NHS was born - July 5, 1948 - was just one of the items which would help tell the story of the health service.

He said: "New pages, images, features and links will be added to the website all the way up to the official anniversary.

"If any patients, staff or members of the public have a good story or archive material we'd be keen to add it to the site - an e-mail option on the site has been created for people to send in their contributions."

He said celebrations would continue throughout the coming months.

A few big ticket' items have been planned to make sure the NHS's 60th Birthday is celebrated in style - including an awards ceremony to recognise the contributions of health workers.

Mr McLaws said: "We've recently launched the NHSGGC Diamond Awards to recognise and highlight the work of staff and wonderful volunteers."

The awards ceremony will take place in The Royal Concert Hall on the NHS's official Birthday - Saturday, July 5.