A PUBLIC Memorial Service to celebrate the life of a former Otley GP will be held next weekend.

The ceremony for Dr Geoffrey Hall takes place at Otley All Saints Parish Church at 12.30pm on Saturday, March 25 - a year to the day after his death in Spain.

Dr Hall had lived in Spain with his wife, Agnes, since his retirement in 2000 when he bid farewell to colleagues and patients at Bridge Street Surgery, Otley where he had worked for 25 years.

His family will also be holding a reception at Korks Wine Bar, on Bondgate, following the church service which will be a celebration of Dr Hall's life.

Anyone wishing to join them should send an e-mail to Dr Hall's daughter, Sarah Grummitt, at sarah.grummitt@hotmail.co.uk .

Talking to the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer in 2000, upon his retirement, Dr Hall reflected fondly on his career.

He said: "It's interesting because of the wonderful people who are almost consistently cheerful and brave in the face of adversity, and it's the fascination of diagnosis.

"You never know what's walking through the door."