ROYAL College of Nursing (RCN) members have paid homage to Florence Nightingale, highlighting the value of nurses and the important role they play in keeping the country healthy.

The dignified vigil and dove release was a moment of “quiet reflection” at the graveside of the pioneering nurse, as the RCN campaigns for the lifting of the cap on nurses pay.

Florence Nightingale is credited with helping to professionalise nursing and was praised for her role helping wounded soldiers in the Crimean war.

Speaking after the event RCN officer James Steen said: “We were there to mark the role of Florence but also to think about the roots of our profession, how proud we are of our members and all they do. It was also a chance to underline the importance of a pay rise because nurses feel undervalued, overstretched and none of that is good for patient care.”

“The public can see that our campaign is just and have rallied to our side by signing postcards to MPs in their thousands.”

The event marked 107 years to the day since Florence died and took place at St. Margaret of Antioch Churchyard, Wellow with the permission of the church who are responsible for the upkeep of her grave.