A “POPULAR and well-known” doctor has died suddenly, prompting a flood of tributes from patients, colleagues and local councillors.

Dr Robert Grayson, 45, who was principal partner at Great Harwood Medical Group, died in the early hours of Thursday.

The death of the father of two and stepfather of two sent shockwaves through the community he serves, with patients leaving moving tributes to him on Facebook.

Son of Hyndburn councillor Harry Grayson, Dr Grayson lived in Chatburn with his family and was a specialist in chronic disease.

He had worked at Great Harwood Medical Centre since August 2005 and last year oversaw the merger with Rishton High Street Surgery.

As part of the team of four doctors at the practice, he provided care to around 7,000 patients in Rishton, Great Harwood and Clayton-le-Moors.

The practice recently moved into a new purpose-built home in Water Street.

Cllr Ken Moss, who represents the same ward as Cllr Grayson, said: “Harry is very upset about it, understandably, and we are all rallying around him trying support him as much as possible. Our thoughts are with Harry and his family at this difficult time.

“Robert was a very charming and well-turned-out man who was loved by his patients who have been leaving messages on Facebook paying tribute to him.”

Sarah Lord, practice manager at Great Harwood Medical Centre, said: “Rob was born and educated in Rishton. Although he undertook his medical training in London, Rob returned to the area to practise as a GP at Great Harwood Medical Group, latterly becoming the senior partner of the practice.

“Rob was committed to the health and wellbeing of his patients and the local community he lived in and served. He was very highly thought of among his colleagues and patients and his loss will be felt greatly throughout the community.

“Not only was Rob a highly experienced and hardworking doctor, his dedication to his patients was renowned and he will be sadly missed by everyone who met him or was treated by him. Our thoughts and condolences go to Rob’s family whom he loved very much.”

Dr Grayson attended Queen Mary University of London from 1992 to 1997, undertaking a medical degree while working at the Medical College of St Bartholomew’s Hospital from 1992 to 1998.