A TEAM of volunteers has been helping patients get their bearings at a new doctors' surgery in Darlington.

Blacketts Medical Practice, which has 8,500 patients, opened in Bondgate earlier this month.

It had previously been based in Stanhope Road, where it had been called Netherlaw Surgery, since the 1920s.

GPs felt the move might confuse patients so they called in a team of guides, led by retired practice manager Audrey Chrisp, to show people where to go. Dr Andrew Michie said: "We've called the team Audrey's Angels as they've been such a help.

"There are eight of them and we decided to use them for a month.

"We were concerned when we opened the surgery that it would be quite a change for people.

"Patients have said how lovely it has been to see a friendly face when they arrive."

The surgery's opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday evening.