A BRADFORD-based doctor has received his homeland’s highest medal of honour.

Mauritian-born Sulleman Moreea, who works at Bradford Royal Infirmary, was decorated with the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean for his contribution to medicine.

It is the highest honour awarded at the President’s discretion which is the equivalent to a knighthood.

The consultant gastroenterologist and hepatologist regularly visits the country in his free time to run workshops about gastrointestinal endoscopy. He has been working with the country’s Prime Minister and Minister for Health to set up five specialised units, with three in place so far.

Dr Moreea said: "I am extremely proud and humbled to receive this prestigious medal from the President of the Republic of Mauritius, his Excellency Mr Kailash Purryag, and I would like to thank Prime Minister, Dr the Hounourable Navinchandra Ramgoolam, for nominating me for this award.

"I dedicate this medal to my parents and I thank all those – especially my colleagues here in Bradford - who have helped support me and my work to set up these units in Mauritius."

Recipients of the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean are automatically entitled to use the prefix The Honourable to their name.

Dr Moreea received his medal at a special ceremony attended by the President and Prime Minister of Mauritius.