A top national health boss congratulated staff at an award-winning Broadstairs pharmacy on a recent visit to the area.

Jonathan Mason, a national clinical director at the Department of Health and a former Chatham House Grammar School pupil, paid a visit to Pierremont Pharmacy, where he met the team awarded Clinical Service of the Year in 2008.

He spoke with Stephen Foster, the pharmacy superintendent, about the future of community chemists. He also nominated Stephen as a local clinical pharmacy champion who will help improve customer service in neighbourhood health centres.

Stephen said: "I'm overwhelmed to learn that Jonathan regards our work in the way he does and I'm delighted to be able to take a key role in supporting the development of the profession."