A VETERAN family doctor at an East Lancs surgery has announced her retirement.

Dr Susie Owen has been a GP partner at The Castle Medical Group in Clitheroe for more than 20 years.

In a letter to patients, she said: "The NHS has been through seismic changes in that time but the core personal role of caring for my own patients has not changed too much.

"It has been an incredible privilege to be a GP in the wonderful community of Clitheroe and surrounding villages.

"I would like to thank all my lovely patients who have trusted me to share a little of their lives and please know that I have learned as much from you as you have from me.

"Both my patients and my steadfast colleagues past and present, have given me inspiration and energy over the years.

"The Castle Medical Group is made up of many fantastic teams, all dedicated to providing the best possible standards of care.

"I will miss you but also look forward to other challenges ahead."

Dr Owen, who has been one of the school doctors at Stonyhurst College for a number of years, has specialised in asthma and COPD.

She is a mother-of-two and a keen allotment holder, according to the surgery.