A KEIGHLEY Patient Council has won first prize in a national competition promoting health research.

The inaugural Research Engagement Award was given to award-winning Holycroft Surgery’s Patient Council.

It is sponsored by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Research Network and the National Association for Patient Participation (NAPP).

Holycroft’s Patient Council received first prize of £400 for its interest and involvement in clinical research which has helped to change the culture of the surgery to one where research is part of everyday clinical practice.

Patricia Ellis, divisional research delivery director at the NIHR Clinical Research Network, said: “We’re delighted to have such a worthy winner for this first award.”

The practice is part of NHS Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).