A FAMILY has praised the 'loving and caring' doctors at Stroud Hospital who looked after an elderly man in his last days.

Harry Workman, 98, was admitted to the hospital in Trinity Road on January 13 after his blood sugar level was high.

"From the first minute to the last, the care he received was just amazing," said Harry's son, Philip Workman.

"Staff were so compassionate, loving and caring.

"Before he passed away on January 22, we were even able to have a short conversation with him and say our goodbyes."

Mr Workman, who leaves behind four children, 14 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren, worked at the International Stores supermarket in Stroud back in the 1930s where he met his wife Dorothy, from Painswick.

The couple were married for more than 60 years, before Dorothy sadly passed away in 2002.

He moved to Tewkesbury where his son Philip also lives but was particularly fond of Stroud.

"I think it was nice for him to spend his last days in Stroud," added Philip.

"He had many romantic connotations with the town."

In Tewkesbury, Mr Workman founded the Cotteswold Dairy in 1938 where he started off by delivering milk door-to-door by bucket and ladle.

His son Roger Workman, who is now chairman of the Dairy, said: "He was such a warm-hearted and caring Christian individual who was a real gentleman and was so well respected and liked by all that knew him.

"He made time for anyone and spoke at many different places about his faith, stories of Tewkesbury and of the dairy.

"He loved all his family and friends and will be missed by so many people."

He also served as town mayor of Tewekesbury between 1959 and1961.

Mike Ingram, who is married to Mr Workman's eldest daughter Ann, said: "Throughout his stay the care he received was wonderful.

"The staff were extremely professional yet carried out their duties with great sensitivity, care and kindness.

"They did everything possible to make his last days pain free and tranquil.

"The two night nurses who were present during his final hours were very compassionate not only to Harry but also to family members who were there when he passed away.

"We cannot commend all of the ward staff highly enough."