ONE of the leading lights in Kidderminster medicine and a long-serving GP has died after a period of poor health, aged 61.

Dr Graeme Wilcox worked as a GP in the town for more than 30 years, most recently as senior partner at Stanmore House surgery, Linden Avenue, until his retirement last year on health grounds.

He served as president and treasurer with Kidderminster Medical Society and was a trustee of the town's postgraduate medical centre which he helped set up.

He was also an instigator with Dr Barrie Davies of the primary care centre at Kidderminster Hospital which provides an out-of-hours GP service.

Nottingham-born Dr Wilcox worked for many years as a part-time ophthalmologist at Kidderminster General Hospital and served on Kidderminster Health Authority's district management team.

A keen member of Kidderminster Choral Society for many years, he was also a stalwart of Kidderminster Civic Society and a regular member of St John's Church congregation.

Widow Jennie said the number of letters she had received from well-wishers had amazed her. "It shows the esteem in which he was held. He was a very quiet and unassuming person who never sought the glory for himself. He was also a great family man."

Dr Neil Jarvie, a colleague of Dr Wilcox's for many years, added: "He was just a super guy. I worked with him for 20 years and in all that time I don't think we had one cross word. He always tried to help others. He will be very sadly missed."

A funeral service will be held at St John the Baptist Church, Kidderminster, at 2.30pm today followed by a private cremation. Family flowers only by request.