THE VILLAGE of Poynton is in shock this week after one of its most prominent doctors was tragically struck and killed by a train - only yards from his house.

Dr Mark Gradwell, 46, of Lostock Hall Road - just past Poynton Train Station - a GP at the Priorslegh Medical Centre, died in the tragedy that involved the London to Manchester Virgin train at 11.40pm on Monday, May 15.

His grieving widow was too distraught to talk, but other pillars of the community were quick to praise a man described as "an integral part of Poynton".

Chairman of Poynton Parish Council, Roger West, said: "This is a human tragedy and obviously our thoughts go out to the family - everyone is shocked and upset.

"Dr Gradwell was a quiet man who took part in the recent parish litter pick with his children - that was the sort of community spirit he showed.

"He was a private man, who was very much liked and respected in the village. He was one of nature's gentlemen and that makes a tragedy like this all the more difficult to accept."

Colleagues at the Priorslegh Medical Centre were also devastated this week.

Dr William Helliwell, senior partner at the centre, would only say: "I am not good."

A spokesman for the Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust, said: "Following the tragic death of Dr Mark Gradwell, his friends and colleagues at Priorslegh Medical Centre want to express their deep and heartfelt sorrow. Their thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children and family."

He said: "Mark was held in the highest regard by the Primary Healthcare Team, by his patients and by the many GP registrars he taught and supported.

"He was an exemplary and dedicated doctor and teacher, and was awarded the honour of Fellowship of the Royal College of General Practitioners, which reflects his high standing in the profession. He will be greatly missed."

The spokesman also reassured all Dr Gradwell's patients of their continuing care and attention by the other doctors in the practice of eight GPs and a nurse.

Dr Gradwell was a keen supporter of his daughter, Hannah, 12, who plays both soccer and cricket for Poynton Sports Club.

Club manager Andy Grocock said: "Most Friday nights he was down here to cheer on his daughter, who I am told is a very good cricketer and footballer.

"I knew him from the doctors and in passing and was always a very pleasant man to talk to - this news is quite a shock."

After the fatal incident, British Transport Police had to close the line until 2.10am northbound and until 4.30am southbound the following day, causing the 106 passengers on board to be three hours late getting into Manchester.

There was only one other passenger train that was affected and was two hours late to the same destination.

A spokesman for British Transport Police said: "We are conducting an investigation, but the matter is not being treated as suspicious.

An inquest was opened and adjourned on Wednesday, May 17, when the coroner's office attributed the victim's death to multiple injuries.