A ‘phenomenal’ family doctor has retired after three decades with the same practice.

There were tears at Newsome Surgery in Huddersfield as patients bid farewell to their much-loved GP Dr Ram Hamid.

Dr Hamid, who turned 60 today (Sunday) will be missed by countless numbers of families who have grown up in his care since he took up a permanent post after moving from south England.

Practice manager Mary Kelly led the tributes to the veteran partner who she believed had kept the surgery going over the years.

Mary, who has been at the practice for 37 years, said: “He’s such a phenomenal and experienced man.

“He came to us to cover for maternity leave and then returned down south but when he heard that the GP had left later on he came straight back to us.

“He’s cared for thousands of patients, some of whom have gone on to have children and even the children of theirs – he’s seen such a lot.

“He’s kept the practice going and he’s going to be sorely missed by all staff and his patients – it’s just quite sad and I just don’t know who we’ll manage without him.”

She said Dr Hamid, who qualified in 1979 from the University of London, was renowned for his warmth and caring nature.

Mary said: “He went out of his way to help others.

“I remember one time when someone collapsed at Newsome Bowling Club and he rushed straight out to help them on the pitch.

“He also had a knack of being able to tell people about their conditions in a simple, straightforward way, which was really important.

Dr Hamid, who lives in Mirfield, is now looking forward to a happy retirement.

Mary said: “He is into his golf so he will be trying to better his swing and we wish him every bit of luck for the future.”

New doctor Dr Mair Tunstall will replace Dr Hamid as a partner and has been joined by Dr Ansa Hayat.

Dr Cassandra Robinson will also start her new role at the surgery in Spring.