Tributes have been paid to a long-serving Portland doctor who has passed away following a long battle with cancer.

Dr David Hargrave - a family GP who 'had a passion for medicine and caring for people' - died peacefully at home aged 68.

Born in Wootton Bassett, the son of a GP, Dr Hargrave followed in his father's footsteps by training as a doctor at Westminster Hospital where he met his wife who was a nurse there.

Following a spell as a GP in Luton and Dunstable, he joined the Portland doctor's practice of Milne, Barnard Jones and Ward in 1980, and remained a GP on the island throughout his career, serving at both practices including as a senior partner of Royal Manor Health Care, until he retired in 2011.

Upon his retirement, tribute to his long service on the island was paid by the practice manager of the health centre, Wendy Milverton.

Commenting at the time, Mrs Milverton said: “I have always found Dr Hargrave to be dedicated, supportive and committed to his patients, and we have always enjoyed his sense of humour, his relaxed approach to crisis, and his never ending anecdotes.”

Dr Hargrave's eldest son, Richard Hargrave, said his father was 'instrumental' in retaining a hospital on Portland when there were proposals for its closure.

Richard Hargrave said: "My dad loved Portland and dedicated his life to helping people on the island. He had an impact on thousands of lives during his career and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends."

A celebration of Dr David Hargrave's life will take place at All Saints Church, Portland, where he was a former church warden. it is being held on Tuesday, February 4 at 2.30pm.

Instead of flowers, a collection for Marie Curie cancer charity will be taken during the celebration service.

Richard Hargrave added: "Marie Curie was an organisation close to my dad's heart during his career, and in turn, they supported him in the final few weeks of his life."

Dr David Hargrave leaves behind his wife, Libby Hargrave, and his five children and ten grandchildren.