A "TIRELESS champion" of Somerset's patients and health services is stepping down at the end of next month.

Keith Pearson has chaired the South Somerset Primary Care Trust since it was set up two years ago and has taken on various public roles throughout the county.

He is set to move to eastern England to be closer to his grandchildren.

South Somerset PCT chief executive Dr Virginia Pearson said: "He has always been a tireless champion for patients and the local NHS. He'll be missed by everyone who has ever known or worked with him."