FORMER patients of disgraced surgeon Richard Neale have pledged to step up their campaign for a full inquiry into the scandal.

Dozens of members of the Victims of Richard Neale support group met at the weekend for the first time since the former consultant gynaecologist was struck off by the General Medical Council, for botching operations and lying to patients.

At a four-hour meeting in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, on Saturday, the group determined to press ahead with its calls for a major independent inquiry into the Friarage Hospital, where Mr Neale worked for ten years.

Spokesman for the group, Graham Maloney, said they would be fighting to keep the issue in the public spotlight.

He said: "What came across very strongly at the meeting was that the majority of people still support a major inquiry into the Friarage Hospital.

"With many of the group living in the Northallerton area, they might have to go there again, and so might their children, and they don't want anyone else to go through what they have been through."

Solicitors acting for the group are planning to hold talks with the Friarage's legal representatives, over compensation settlements for the women who suffered at the hands of Mr Neale.

Dozens of women who were left in agony by Mr Neale are expected to be bidding for compensation, although dates have not yet been confirmed for any individual cases to be heard.

A spokesman for the trust said last night they were not aware of the outcome of the support group meeting and so could not comment.