SENIOR doctors commemorated one of Worcester's most famous sons as they marked the 150th anniversary of the death of medical surgeon Sir Charles Hastings.

A wreath was laid at the restored grave of Sir Charles Hastings at Astwood Cemetery in Worcester to mark 150 years since he died on July 30, 1866.

Dr Alison Blake, chairman of the Worcestershire and Herefordshire Division of the BMA, and Dr John O’Driscoll, Divisional Secretary, took part in the wreath-laying ceremony at the grave of Sir Charles and Lady Hastings on Saturday.

Sir Charles Hastings founded the British Medical Association which was originally called the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association.

The Charles Hastings Education Centre at Worcestershire Royal Hospital is named after him.

Established in July 1832, the organisation which later became the BMA was considered important in driving up medical standards and is still going strong today.

David Brownridge, treasurer of the Worcestershire and Herefordshire BMA, said: "He was also an important local figure associated with local public health and helped fight the cholera epidemic in Worcester.

"Until Sir Edward Elgar came along he was considered to be Worcester's leading citizen."

His headstone was cleaned and the lettering renewed following a £360 investment.

Sir Charles Hastings was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1850 and died in Barnards Green, Malvern.