A former Bradford resident has been named the country's best doctor.

Dr Opinder Sahota, a consultant physician at the Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham, won the Hospital Doctor of the Year award and the Health and Social Care Awards.

In their fifth year, the awards offer NHS and social care staff the chance to highlight the work they do.

Dr Sahota, 37, who attended Belle Vue Boys' School in Heaton between 1982 and 1986 was named the top doctor at a ceremony at London's Docklands ExCel.

The father-of-two, whose parents live in Queensbury, is keen to re-establish links with his old school and inspire students to excel academically.

Dr Sahota said: "I am delighted to have received this award, and recognise that although it has my name on it, the development of the service has included a lot of work from the team here at QMC and the wider health community."

Dr Sahota studied Medicine at Dundee University before returning to a job at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

He said: "Belle Vue Boys is not rated as one of the best schools in the country, but the building blocks I got from the school were not just academic, I got all-round skills.

"This award is the highest accolade you can get as a hospital doctor and if I can offer a model to some of the younger children than hopefully they can aspire to it."

Rick Whittaker, head teacher at the school, said "Dr Sahota is an inspiration to our students. We are honoured that a former student has received such a prestigious award".

Dr Sahota was the only winner from Nottinghamshire in the NHS Health and Social Care awards, which covered 15 categories.

He was nominated for his work in developing a dedicated falls and osteoporosis service to improve the care and quality of life of patients who come to hospital after a fall and fracture.

Dr Sahota also developed a policy for calcium and vitamin D prescribing for all residents in Nottingham care homes.

His nomination was supported by the East Midlands National Osteoporosis Society Patient Support Group.

Health secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "My warmest congratulations go to all the finalists and especially to the winners. This is the fifth year we have held Health and Social Care Awards, and I am delighted to see the standards have gone from strength to strength in all sectors.

"The annual Health and Social Care Awards is an opportunity for individuals and teams to have their innovation and excellent care recognised and rewarded - but it is not only about celebrating on the night, it is about celebrating the successes which occur throughout the health and social care sectors on a daily basis."