The bids from doctors interested in taking on an empty GP surgery in Kingston, have been whittled down to seven contenders but health chiefs are keeping tight-lipped about who is in the hat.

Kingston Primary Care Trust has culled six of the 13 bidders who want to run the replacement practice in Tudor Drive, Kingston which couldinclude anyyone from a small GP practice to a giant US conglomerate health company.

But whoever wins the race to take on the two small practices, which became vacant after Drs Hans Yadav and Dr Ashok Kumar Katiyar both had their registrations suspended by the General Medical Council, there will almost certainly be one surgery in Tudor Drive.

Churchill Medical Centre Kingston which already has a second surgery in Evesham Terrace, Surbiton will expand its empire with a planning application for a facility at 164 Tudor Drive.

Tudor Drive councillor David Cunningham called a number of public meetings earlier this year to urge the PCT to get a move on.

He said: "I was very pleased when I heard the number of people that expressed an interest.

"My main option is to make sure we have at least one surgery in the area and there is the possibility we may have two."

Susan Kramer MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston said: "Local people are anxious for a swift resolution of the future of this practice so the news that the tender is on track and has attracted a large number of bidders is encouraging.

"The winning providers must be sure to continue to keep the services local so that the many older people and young families in the area are not forced to travel."

The PCT will now interview bidders on July 2 to take on the 3,000 patients who were with Dr Yadav and Dr Katiyar. Two patient representatives - Harold Hughes and Henry Suppanee - will help to make the decision.

The winner will be announced on July 21, the same day that the new Churchill practice is expected to open up the road.