A Kenilworth medical centre has thanked a senior partner for his near 40 years service ahead of his retirement later this month.

Castle Medical Centre has announced that Dr David Spraggett will leave the practice at the end of March, some 37 years after he first joined.

Dr Spraggett's retirement follows 42 years in the NHS, and the news had led to a wave of thanks and appreciation from residents on social media.

A statement from the Bertie Road practice said: "Such a level of continuity and loyalty is rarely seen in modern times.

"We would like to thank David for all he has done for our patients and the population of Kenilworth.

"Having held several senior posts in the wider local health care system, David has always made being a compassionate and caring family doctor his top priority.

"We will undoubtedly miss his wisdom and experience, but would also reassure patients we will continue to have a fully staffed clinical team."

The practice said it has recently appointed new doctors and nurses to its team.