A retired consultant in chemical pathology is joining Airedale NHS Foundation Trust as a non-executive director.

Dr Michael Toop, who managed the chemical pathology department at Harrogate Hospital for 25 years, also has an interest in diabetes and hyperlipidaemia.

He replaces Jeff Colclough, who has retired after seven years.

Dr Toop, 59, was appointed consultant at Harrogate in 1986 and played a key role in taking the hospital through to Foundation Trust status.