A VISIT to the doctor is a more pleasant experience for villagers in a former mining community.

The green-theme design of the health facility in Sacriston, County Durham, has not only won over patients, doctors and other staff, it has also found favour with judges in an annual awards scheme.

Its design, combined with the building’s use of alternative energy sources, landed the practice partners and architects Howarth Litchfield Partnership with the top honour at the County Durham Environment Awards, held at Durham’s Gala Theatre.

Practice partner Dr Martin Judson said: “We’re delighted, of course.

“It’s the culmination of a lot of hard work by a lot of people.”

Architect Stephen Tudball said: “The doctors came to us with the initial brief, and a key part was the sustainability features.

“We sat down and reviewed the full list of environmental pluses and minuses, and made the judgement on which we could incorporate.”