PATIENTS and colleagues helped a popular Spennymoor doctor celebrate his retirement after more than three decades serving the community.

Dr Andrew Sanderson retired from St Andrew's Medical Practice after 35 years as a general practitioner in the town.

Dr Sanderson also helped dozens of medical students and trainee doctors as a mentor.

About 100 staff from practices in the town, hospital doctors, patients and nurses attended a retirement party at Whitworth Hall earlier this month to bid him farewell.

Partners from the Adan House surgery presented him with a wall clock and picture.

Spennymoor Town Council presented him with a pair of cufflinks.

Staff at the Adan House surgery held another celebration. They presented him with a garden bench.

Dr Sanderson plans to spend more time gardening, watching Newcastle United and with his wife, Joan.

Tracey Martin, from the practice, said: "We are extremely fond of him.

"He has been an excellent boss who has always given his utmost support to his staff and we will miss him enormously."