A doctor from Hoylake, who helped to lead the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, has been awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at a prestigious European awards ceremony.

Professor Frank Joseph, a world-leading physician in Endocrinology and Diabetes at the Countess of Chester Hospital, was named Lifetime Achievement Award winner at the European Diversity Awards.

Professor Jospeh helped lead the fight against Covid for the NHS and private medical and diagnostics company DAM Health, which has testing sites in Bromborough.

“It is a real honour to be named winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award,” Professor Frank told the Globe.

He added: “We have had a tough 18 months with a horrendous virus which has caused so much suffering for thousands of families across the country.

“I was among so many deserving recipients and fantastic companies who are all playing their part in fighting for a fairer, diverse and more inclusive Britain.”

The awards celebrate leading diversity and inclusion champions while recognising achievements across race, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity and religious belief over the past year.

The ceremony took place on November 11 at the Landmark Hotel, London, and was hosted by actress and author Sophie Ward.

Linda Riley, European Diversity Awards founder, said: “When the country was experiencing a devastating surge in the number of Covid cases and catastrophic infection rates, the assistance of Dam Health Group’s Professor Frank Joseph saved countless lives.

“We celebrated the brave and brilliant efforts he has made to provide the highest level of care for people, both at home and abroad, in this time of crisis.

She added: “Every deserving winner has made real achievements in race, age, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity or religious belief over the past year.

“The corporations and business leaders who picked up awards are dynamic and reflect the huge efforts corporate organisations are now making to improve diversity and inclusion.

“We should never forget how far we've come but there is still so much more to do.”