The community has paid tribute to a "brilliant and captivating doctor" who died suddenly last month.

Dr Richard Stott, 65, who had been a doctor in the borough since he moved to Epsom 30 years ago, died on January 20.

He had first worked as a GP at a practice in Epsom High Street and then at Cedars Cottage in Church Street, before working at the Old Cottage Hospital in Alexandra Road. He retired as a senior partner from the Old Cottage Hospital five years ago.

Clare Stott, Dr Stott’s wife of 39 years, said he was "adored by his patients".

She said he was also a "brilliant artist" who completed an art degree after retiring, having studied a foundation year at the University for the Creative Arts in Epsom and then a degree at Farnham Art College.

Mrs Stott, 61, said: "He was very kind and caring and had always been passionate about medicine."

Dee Wilson, who was a patient of Dr Stott when he was based in the high street, paid tribute to a "wonderful and very helpful" doctor.

She said: "He was a very tall man, a shock of white hair, and I noticed his shoes always needed a polish and he often wore odd socks.

"He was a very captivating doctor always willing to hear about how the family were doing when they were growing up.

"I always felt he knew what he was doing and was guided by him in the treatment of all of the family over many years until his retirement. 

"He was very respectful, waited until you had finished telling him what was troubling you, and never made a wrong decision with any of us.

"His advice when we went through a very trying time was welcoming and he really seemed to care about the worries and tribulations of life as a woman, mother and wife.

"It was a sad loss when he retired and the thing I would miss most, and still do, is his laugh.

"He was a brilliant doctor, father and husband."