AN Okehampton GP due to retire after 22 years has marked the occasion with the publication of a new book.

In his last fundraising effort for the New Okehampton Hospital Appeal, Dr Andrew Stainer-Smith has compiled a recipe book bursting not only with delicious dishes but with jokes, hospital facts, illustrations and pictures.

All the recipes — over 100 — have been provided by members of the community, local celebrities and famous names such as Tony Blair and health minister Alan Milburn.

Dr Stainer-Smith said the idea for a cookbook, appropriately entitled 'Cardiac Arrest', came from the staff at the medical centre who were, he said, an 'amazing bunch of people.'

'At the medical centre we have never failed to be delighted by the cakes, pastries and desserts that staff bring in to mark birthdays, holidays and at times just to spread a little happiness,' he said.

'We often ask each for our favourite recipes so we thought it would be nice to collate these and share them with the rest of the community.

'These are real recipes for real people.'

The book documents the history of the two existing Okehampton hospitals, which were built by public subscription.

It brings readers up to date with the turf cutting ceremony for the town's new £4-million hospital in September, performed by TV personality and patron of the hospital appeal Noel Edmonds, who lives at Jacobstowe.

The appeal to raise funds for hospital equipment is nearing the £200,000 mark and with a year to go before the facility opens, it seems the community will have no trouble in raising the £250,000 target.

In his foreword, Dr Stainer-Smith praises the work of Okehampton GP Dr Paul Nielson, the driving force behind the new hospital, locality manager Jane Barr and retired practice manager Nigel Percival, who now co-ordinates the fundraising effort.

Above all, he pays tribute to the people of Okehampton who had 'risen to the challenge.'

'They are raising a large amount of money to provide both 21st century advanced technological equipment and the everyday medical and nursing items we need to succeed in delivering improving services to Okehampton and the surrounding locality,' he said.

'This is truly a community effort to which we have all contributed. We deserve to share in the benefits the hospital will bring.'

The Okehampton Hospital Cookbook is priced at £5 and is available from the Castle Hospital and Okehampton and District Hospital, Okehampton Medical Centre, New Okehampton Hospital Appeal Shop in St James Street and other local outlets.