A doctor who resigned from a surgery in Preston where he had worked for 25 years has spoken out against rumours about why he quit.

Dr Michael Eves, 55, said that since he resigned from Doclands Medical Centre, Blanche Street, in June, rumours have been circulating that he had retired, was ill or had split from his wife, Christine, 52.

He claims the gossip is not true and he only departed after personal differences with another GP at the practice, Dr Malcolm Craig.

He has also said he feels let down by the way his departure was handled by Preston Primary Care Trust (PCT).

"I did not leave because of selfish reasons, and I just want my former patients to know that.

"I had worked there for most of my professional life and expected to retire there, I have some very fond memories." He now works at Library House Surgery, Chorley.

He added: "I hoped Preston PCT would be able to support me working independently from Doclands or organise somewhere local for me to practice.

"I feel I could have been given more support and feel let down.

"When a position elsewhere was offered to me, I had to take it as the alternative was to risk being left without a practice at all."

He said a letter sent out by the trust suggested he left because he had been offered a better deal elsewhere.

Mrs Susan Rigg, director of primary care at the trust, said: "The letter was short and sweet, and was agreed with the practice before Dr Eves left. I fully appreciate that it has been a stressful time for both partners, but it was Dr Eves' decision to resign."

Dr Craig declined to comment.