READERS have praised plans for a memorial bench to commemorate the life of a much-loved Barrow doctor - who was the first to uncover the town’s legionnaires outbreak.

A commemorative bench in memory of the late respected Furness General Hospital doctor William Mitchell will be unveiled this month.

Dr Mitchell dedicated more than 30 years to Furness General before he sadly died of pulmonary fibrosis in February last year.

A rheumatoid specialist and consultant general physician, he was also celebrated for his life-saving role in identifying the outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in Barrow in 2002, resulting in early diagnosis and treatment of patients.

The memorial bench will be installed near the main entrance at Furness General Hospital. Dr Mitchell's family, friends and colleagues have been invited to the unveiling ceremony at 1pm on Friday September 9.

Kathy Bartlett said: “My lovely rheumatologist for thirty years. A brilliant doctor and a really kind man.”

Jacqui Sugden said: “He deserves more than a Bench! He was a wonderful Dr, man and I am sure a great father! He ought to have a plaque on the hospital wall too! I’d help fund that!”

Jackie Benn said: “Wow wow fab bless you and your family xx such a real gent x”

Eileen Wearing said: “A true down to earth, genuine lovely man. Xx”

Helen Johnston said: “Lovely ManXx”

Rubyblue said: “How fantastic that we had such a dedicated Dr looking after us. Such a sad loss.”

Trevor Dickinson said: “A truly great accolade for a truly remarkable person, I personally had the pleasure to meet Dr Mitchell on several occasions and found him to be the perfect gentleman, he had time for everyone.

“His son William will be especially proud of this well-deserved gesture.”

Frank Kendall said: “Very good idea for a very good man.”

Caroline Biggins said: “Love you forever Dad.”