DOCTOR Philip Quinn has a special place in the heart of the Wright family who have been his patients for more than 40 years.

As a tribute to his loyalty and care, Robert and Barbara Wright named the youngest of their two sons after the family doctor.

And the name has gone one generation further as their three-year-old grandaughter is called Philipa.

Now the couple have further repaid the GP's kindness by nominating him and his practice in Blackburn Road, Accrington, for a coveted Charter Mark award.

Nominating an organisation for a Charter Mark is a way for people to say thank you to public services which they feel have offered a quality service, deserving public recognition.

Mr Wright, of First Avenue, Church, said : "Dr Quinn's service has wonderful."

"Our family has been associated with the practice for a long time and Dr Quinn has always given loyal service to the point that we even decided to name our youngest child after him," he added. Mrs Wright said: "He has been faithful to Accrington and has given a lot to his patients."

Dr Quinn, 65, who lives in Read, said: "I was very surprised and flattered and slightly embarrassed by the nomination.

"I am just an ordinary GP doing a job I love and am very grateful to Mr and Mrs Wright for their words of kindness, " he added.

Once an organisation receives a nomination it must decide if it wants to apply for a Charter Mark. The closing date for nominations is March 31.

Nominations can be made for any public service from schools to hospitals to council services and benefits offices by calling the Charter Mark hotline on 0645 400 444, or picking up a form available at selected Post Offices and branches of Tesco its Offices, branches of Tesco.

Winners receive a certificate and trophy and can use the Charter Mark logo on their stationery for three years.

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