A DOCTOR at the Alexandra Hospital and a former heart bypass patient have been named as two of 'the UK's real heartwarmers'.

Dr Dzifa Abban and Denise Winters, who are both linked to Redditch's Hale and Hearties patient support group, won a national competition run by Tetley tea and the British Heart Foundation (BHF) to reward people who give up their time to support the millions of people affected by heart disease.

Dr Abban, who was nominated by Linda Barratt, a cardiac rehabilitation nurse and part of the Hale and Hearties, supports and helps local heart patients - maintaining a first-rate service, despite the time pressures of her job as a cardiologist.

Mrs Winters, from Rednal, was nominated for her volunteer work, helping with cardiac rehabilitation exercise classes and the telephone support line for the Hale and Hearties.

Both will receive a special certificate from Tetley and a Red Letter Day voucher worth £49 so they can choose from a range of gift experiences.

Everyone who nominated a winning heartwarmer will also receive a supply of Tetley tea.

Tetley brand manager Nicola Angell said: "We wanted to recognise those people who provide valuable support to heart patients but are all too often overlooked.

"Our heartwarmers not only give practical help to patients recovering from a heart condition but also provide vital emotional support at a difficult time in their lives."