Osteopaths who set up in a North Yorkshire market town 21 years ago have been named Practice of the Year by the industry.

The Bedale practice was named as the country's best by the Institute of Osteopathy, which represents more than two thirds of the UK's 5,000 osteopaths. The prestigious award was presented to the group, which was set up by founders Suzanne Hibberd and Stuart Bentley. 

The Practice of the Year award celebrates osteopathic practices at their best: providing excellence in care at the heart of their communities. The sought-after award judges practices across a range of criteria for patient care, quality service delivery and local community engagement.

Darlington and Stockton Times:

Osteopaths work to detect, treat and prevent health problems through stretching and massaging muscles and joints. At Bedale they also work on chronic pain management, nutrition, acupuncture and remedial massage.

Maurice Cheng, chief executive of the Institute of Osteopathy, applauded the winners and said: "The team at Bedale had extremely impressive endorsements through their patient votes, confirming they are undoubtedly working hard to support their patients and each other. It is apparent that they have a strong team spirit and a commitment to supporting the health of their local community."

Since the award was announced the practice has been inundated with good wishes from patients who have praised the team for their professionalism and friendliness.

One regular patient said: "Bedale Osteopaths go above and beyond, they genuinely care for their patients health and outcomes."

Another added: "They do a wonderful job and make you feel better physically and mentally."

A spokesperson for Bedale Osteopaths said: "The team here were delighted to have been announced as the winner. We are quite a small rural market town practice, so it was a lovely surprise to win, and very much down to the fabulous support and kind comments that so many of our patients sent in.

"We are fortunate to have such a passionate team, most of us have worked together for over a decade, often sharing ideas and working together to try and offer the best we can for each patient that we see. This award is such an amazing boost after all the challenges that small businesses like ours have faced over the past few years."