TAKE a behind-the-scenes tour during an Open Day at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester.

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust throws open the doors between 10am and 2pm on Saturday, June 18.

Former Southampton footballer Dan Harding, who now plays for Eastleigh FC, will officially open the event.

Visitors can collect a map from the outpatients department, where there will also be interactive displays available.

There will be tours of an operating theatre and the chance to met medical experts and learn about emergency first aid.

You can take a tour of the old chapel, viewing old artefacts including a lamp used by Florence Nightingale, who designed the building in the 1860s, or enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake with the chaplain.

There will be a demonstration of decontamination tents and suits and talks on dementia and nutrition.

Pets as Therapy dogs can be stroked and visitors can have their picture taken with a motorbike used to transport blood.

The trust's play specialists, who usually help and support young patients, are putting on lots of children’s activities too, where they can learn about x-rays and anatomy.

Elizabeth Padmore, trust chairman, said: “It promises to be a fun-packed day, with activities to keep the whole family entertained. It’s a great chance for the public to get a look behind the scenes at their local hospital, speak to some of our medical experts and learn about the great work that goes on in the trust.

“I’m very much looking forward to it, and I would encourage people to come along and enjoy what should be a really good event.”

The event is free, with parking available at the hospital for those attending.