A DOCTOR has hung up her stethoscope after 27 years at an Ilkley practice.

Dr Rosemary Hargreaves has officially retired from Ilkley Moor Medical Practice - although she will still be supporting the practice in both Ilkley and Grassington until her replacement arrives and settles in.

She said: "I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my colleagues, both past and present, who have helped me through thick and thin in past years. More importantly I would like to thank all my patients without whom my working life would not have been so enjoyable, or so busy. I have had the honour of being able to support you through both bad times and good times - a privilege which is unique to a GP's role. I will still be resident locally so feel free to say hello if you see me around the town."

On her official retirement Dr Hargreaves was presented with flowers and gifts by her colleagues, and practice staff later gathered for a retirement send-off at the Wheatley Arms in Ben Rhydding, where she was presented with Bettys Cookery School vouchers.

Helen Watson, GP partner at the practice, said: "On behalf of your Partners and everyone at the practice I would like to say - thank you Rosemary, for your unwavering support, hard work and devotion to the partnership, the practice and patients alike, over the past 27 years. It has always been a pleasure to work with you and we have all valued and benefitted from your experience and sound advice.

We wish you success and happiness in a very well deserved retirement."