A “trailblazer” from Thornton Heath has been chosen from more than 750 candidates to represent London in a competition to mark the NHS’s 70th birthday.

Brian Dickens, a practice manager at Parchmore Medical Centre, was nominated by Croydon North MP Steve Reed in February.

He was chosen for developing a “social prescribing programme” in the north of Croydon which gives GPs the chance to prescribe something non-medical like a fitness class or activity.

Support options in Mr Dickens’s scheme includes aerobics and gardening.

Mr Reed said: “I’m so proud that Brian’s work will now be acknowledged at national level.

“He is a credit to his local community, to Croydon and to London. Brian is a true trailblazer; his work has not only improved the health and wellbeing of residents, he has broken down barriers and brought diverse communities together.”

He will go up against other regional winners from across the country at a ceremony at the Palace of Westminster on July 4 in the “excellence in primary care” category at the NHS Birthday Awards, one of 10 awards that will be dished out.

Dr Agnelo Fernandes, Croydon CCG’s clinical chair and a Parchmore GP, said: “I’m delighted Brian has been recognised in this way.

“His tireless efforts have made real long-term positive differences to the health of our patients and we are already building on his excellent work so that even more local people across Croydon can benefit.”