Dr Vipul Masharani (49), was presented with the Stephen Farley award for his ‘exceptional dedication, care and support’ to patients over the last 12 months.

The Lutterworth doctor, who has worked at the surgery his father established in 1968 for 20 years, sad he was nominated by several of his patients for the award, which is given out by the Leicestershire and Rutland Patient and Public Involvement Panel.

He added: “I was honoured when I heard I had received the award, especially as I was nominated by patients and it is judged by members of the public.

“The other two doctors here at the surgery were also nominated.”

In his speech at the awards ceremony, which was held at Sketchley Grange Hotel in Hinckley, Dr Masharani thanked everyone who had nominated him.

He added: “Since I became a doctor about 25 years ago the technology has moved on very quickly and I couldn’t have imagined some of the things we are able to do now.

“The surgery my father first established has grown a lot and there are three doctors now, but we still pride ourselves on the traditional style of close care we provide.”

Dr Masharani also pointed out that the practice, which moved into new premises in Gilmorton Road several years ago, is 40 years old this year, and he looked forward to making it to the half-century.

He added: “My eldest child is 16, so it’s a bit early to be saying that it will stay in the family for even longer, but I would be delighted if that happened.”

Dr Masharani was born in Kenya but has lived in Lutterworth since he was about eight.

The Stephen Farley Award was set up in memory of Ibstock doctor Stephen Farley, who died in 2004.