An Ilford family pharmacy celebrated 25 years in business with special guests last Thursday (12).

P&S Chemist, in Ilford Lane, welcomed 101-year-old Goodmayes marathon runner Fauja Singh, the deputy mayor of Redbridge, a Rotary Club governor and representatives of NHS North East London and the City to the open day.

Mr Singh, of Goodmayes, was one of the shop’s first customers and was given the store’s Star Resident of Redbridge Award.

Shaheen Bhatia set up the chemist with her husband after converting an old grocery store. She has continued running it since her husband died 16 years ago.

She said: “The day went very well, I was very pleased with the number of people who came out.

“I feel very much part of the community in Ilford and I am very passionate about being able to contribute towards their health. The support from the community has helped us win local and national pharmacy awards.

“Many of the awards were for piloting local pharmacy services like the supply of the morning-after pill, sexual health screening for teenagers and working with the local drug and alcohol clinic.”

Mrs Bhatia said she does not feel the NHS provides enough free health checks without needing a GP appointment.

The chemist did more than 100 free health checks on the day to raise awareness of diabetes and heart disease.

Deputy Mayor Elaine Norman gave a speech congratulating the chemist and they also received a letter of congratulations from London Mayor Boris Johnson.