CAMPAIGNERS protesting because their GP has been told to retire have issued advice to other patients.

The Justice for Dr Pearson group is urging patients who want to leave the Friary Surgery, in Richmond, to check out their options with North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust.

Dr Tim Pearson, 42, received a letter in March from his two partners at the surgery informing him that he had to retire. No explanation was made.

Dr Pearson said the move followed a minor clerical issue.

The town's only other surgery, the Quakers Lane practice, has closed its books following numerous applications from patients to transfer.

Practices in nearby towns and villages are still taking patients.

Mike Heseltine, chairman of Justice for Dr Pearson, said: "It is disgraceful that people should be forced to leave Richmond to find a surgery in which they feel comfortable, and even worse that some who cannot travel far will be forced to continue to stay at the Friary when they would prefer to leave."

Details of other surgeries can be found by calling the PCT on 01845-573800 or visiting www. nhs.uk