PATIENTS, organisations and staff from across Dorset are saying a big thank you to unsung nursing heroes on International Nurses Day.

Today is the 46th nurses day and the anniversary of the birth of Florence Nightingale, the Lady with the Lamp, who is widely considered the founder of modern nursing.

She is best remembered for her pioneering work in nursing during the Crimean War of 1853 to 1856.

Every year the day aims to celebrate the work that nurses do in the community, in hospitals and through organisations and charities.

As part of the day the Echo has spoken to nurses and those they have helped.

And if you would like to say thank you to a nurses who has made a difference to you, the Echo has sent up special phone and text lines.

This is your chance to say a big thank-you to a nurse who has touched your life.

For every call and text the money raised, minus your network charge, will be donated straight to the Dorset County Hospital Digital Mammography Appeal.

How to enter: By Text: Send your text to 80360 starting with NURSE and if you wish leave a message or dedication.

By Phone: Call 0904 049 0135 and follow the prompts to leave your dedication.

Terms and conditions: Calls cost no more than 1.53 Per Call from a BT Landline. All proceeds from the calls, minus the network charges will be donated straight to the Boost appeal. Calls from mobiles and some other networks may cost more.

Texts cost 1.50 plus your normal operator text charge. Telephone and text voting lines open 11/05/2011 and close 13/05/2011 at 23:59PM. For full terms www.newsquest.co.uk/terms Service provided by Newsquest Media Group.