DR Bill Bliss had a right to a decent send off after spending 28 years working as a family GP in Wootton Bassett.

But even he didn't expect to receive a car as a leaving present.

His colleagues at New Court Surgery bought him a 1975 Humber Sceptre, in immaculate condition, complete with MoT.

Dr Bliss is a classic car enthusiast and his new acquisition will add to his collection. He always travelled to his surgery in a Morris Traveller and also owns a Triumph Herald.

He said: "I'm overwhelmed by everyone's generosity and good wishes.

"The biggest surprise is the classic car (which Dr Bliss's colleagues won't reveal the value of). I couldn't believe it. It is brilliant."

Dr Bliss, 58, who lives near Bush-ton, was praised at his leaving party for his constant kindness, commitment and skill.

But he modestly describes himself as an old fashioned doctor who struggled with modern advances

He said: "I want to retire while I'm still fit. I have absolutely no complaints about patients, but it's still a business and there are constant changes brought in by the Government.

"Also I am a bit IT phobic, and in a year or so all our notes will be in the practice museum and everything will be done on computer, which isn't really me."

Dr Bliss admitted feeling apprehensive as retirement loomed.

"It's a major life changing event, like getting married. You go into it voluntarily, knowing that life is going to be different. To begin with, I am just going to put my feet up and relax.

"That will be a change, after being used to working a 10-12 hour day, and nights and weekends.

"But I'm sure I will find lots of things to keep me occupied."

His partners at the surgery paid tribute to him as he left for the final time on Friday.

"I feel so privileged and happy to have worked with him and so sad that he is going. We all love him to pieces," said Dr Mary Valentine.

Dr Nick Yerbury: "He will be greatly missed in all areas except one computers have not been Bill!"

Bill Bliss, who is a doctor's son, was still in training at St Thomas' Hospital in London, when he and Kate were married in 1965.

After qualifying in 1967, he worked at hospitals in Hastings, Tunbridge Wells and Shrewsbury before becoming a trainee GP at Basingstoke.

In 1971, during three months in Canada, he was offered a post in general practice in Ontario.

"But by then we had children Julia, born in 1968 and Edward in 1969, and I didn't take up that option," Dr Bliss said.

In 1973, the family moved to Wilt-shire and he was appointed to a new single handed practice at 20, High Street, Wootton Bassett.

In 1980, Dr Yerbury joined the practice on its move to premises at the Civic Centre, where the name Old Court Surgery was adopted. Dr Valentine became a partner in 1986, and the practice moved in 1991 to new purpose built premises at Borough Fields, where the name was changed to New Court Surgery

Dr Bliss pioneered the patient participation group The Friends of New Court Surgery (known as FONCS), which has had spectacular success with social events, health talks, patients' transport and fund-raising to provide top grade equipment for patients' benefit.

Dr Bliss has been an examiner and medical officer to the local Red Cross for many years, and was medical adviser to Touchdown during the years when it accommodated recovering alcoholics.

He is the long-serving chairman of Wootton Bassett and District Age Concern, a role in which he plans to continue his valuable voluntary work for the town's older residents.

As senior partner in the practice, he has trained many fledgling GPs and this year has the distinction of being awarded the GP Commendation from the Wessex Faculty of the Royal College of General Practitioners.

He enjoys opera, loves Wagner's music, and is a keen cricket fan who supports Hampshire. He also plays in the annual GPs v Consul-tants cricket match.

Dr Bliss said that his list of patients will be taken over by Dr Simon Nelson, who is moving from Tetbury.