MARY Lees, a well-known Bromsgrove doctor, has died at the age of 85.

Dr Lees, who up until her death lived at Nailers Court in New Road, died at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch on Monday, August 14.

She qualified as a medical practitioner in London during World War Two, before marrying husband George Lees in 1950.

The couple then moved to Yarnold Lane Farm, in Dodford later that year.

After bringing up her five children, Dr Lees resumed medical practice in 1960 when she took charge of general medical health at the Lea Hospital in Stourbridge Road.

After years of work with mentally and physically handicapped patients she had the honour of a new ward being named after her.

Husband George, who died in 2002, worked as a solicitor at Holt and Sellars in St John Street, until his retirement in 1995.

The couple were both heavily involved with Dodford village life, including running the young people's church where George was the choir master.

Dr Lees also leaves seven grandchildren.

Her funeral is due to take place at Dodford Church at midday tomorrow (Thursday).

The service will be taken by the Rev Pat Barford, who attended the young people's church around 30 years ago, and it is thought that Dr Lees' guidance helped inspire her to be ordained.