A GP from Bolton is among the recently awarded residents to receive royal recognition for her significant contribution to the community.

Dr Jane Wilcock, who lives in Harwood, was awarded her British Empire Medal on Tuesday, September 24 at Gorton Monastery as a royal accolade for her services to the medical practice as well as Bolton’s wider community.

She retired in June after 35 years of service at Silverdale Medical Practice.

As well as being a GP she has also chaired the North West faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners and is still chairwoman of the Friends of Longsight Park.

The star-studded ceremony had special guests including mayor of Bolton, Cllr Andy Morgan, and the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins.

Jane said: “I wasn’t expecting to be nominated at all so it was a big shock.

“I still don’t know who nominated me!

“The letter came in December, and it was quite a surprise, a very lovely surprise.

"The award recognises external activities as well as my profession.

“The award recognises my work as a GP and the widespread teaching post grads and under grads. I also wrote a couple of books on ‘How to get the best from your GP practice’ which have contributed to the medical field.”

After realising during the pandemic that some vulnerable members of the public were unable to get out to get vaccinated, Jane and a couple of volunteers visited people and offered the vaccinations for free.

Jane also chaired the Royal College of GPs Overdiagnosis group and recently became chair of the NorthWest faculty of RCGP.

She added: “It’s about going the extra mile in life, it was great to be recognised for that.

“It was also lovely to hear about other people’s stories, hearing about other people’s work was special.

“The monastery also looked beautiful, receiving the award was the highlight of my life.”

In a post on social media, Cllr Morgan said: "The British Empire Medal is an honour awarded for meritorious civil or military service and recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities.

“Jane was joined at the ceremony by her family. As well a being a GP she has also chaired the North West faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners and is still chairwoman of the Friends of Longsight Park.

“On behalf of everyone in Bolton, congratulations Jane, such well-deserved recognition!”