A pharmacist from Oxford with an illustrious career has won an award for his outstanding contribution to the industry.

Ian Simpson, 58, of Beechey Avenue, Old Marston, has been given the Celltech Gold Medal by the Guild of Healthcare Pharmacists, an organisation representing pharmacists who work in NHS hospitals.

Mr Simpson's career includes advising Oxfordshire Health Authority, the European Commission and the health service offered to British forces in Germany.

Mr Simpson said: "It's a great honour to have this award and I'm delighted to get it.

"It's been given out annually since 1957, and has a great history."

Mr Simpson is now chief executive of the Coventry-based College of the charity Pharmacy Practice.