A DOCTORS' surgery which has served patients in Darlington for 85 years is set to move into plush new premises on Monday.

The Netherlaw surgery on Stanhope Road is moving to the former Blacketts pub on Bondgate. It is part of a £2.1m move designed to create more space for patients and to provide a base for health visitors and district nurses.

The surgery, which has 8,500 patients, five doctors and employs 25 staff, will be renamed Blacketts Medical Practice.

Doctors have commissioned £45,000 worth of art, sculptures, tapestries and specialised the entrance gates.

The sponsors of the gates included Arts and Business New Partners and Commissions North.

Blacksmith Brian Russell, of Little Newsham near Barnard Castle, has designed original gates that includes a design of a stethoscope and a heart.

GP Andrew Michie said: "They are great and look very impressive.

"We knew we needed a gate and thought rather than have a bog standard one off the production line, we wanted to make the place look more welcoming.

"We have had them done in an interesting way."

Netherlaw Surgery has been in Stanhope Road since 1919 but has been used by doctors since shortly after it was built in 1892.

Dr Michie said that staff at the surgery had worked very hard to ensure the changeover went smoothly.

He added: "There is an element of sadness in leaving the old building as the surgery has been there for 85 years.

"It is the end of an era and the start of a new one."