PEOPLE in the Durham dales are being invited to view plans for the redevelopment of a community hospital.

A public information session is being held at the Richardson Hospital, in Barnard Castle, where people can give views and discuss the design and elevation drawings for the £6.5m hospital.

The hospital is being built on the site of the health centre in Barnard Castle.

Since the project began in 2002, local people have been involved in the plans to build the community hospital, which will provide a wider range of outpatient services and have general practitioner beds.

They were asked for their views on the future of the Richardson and also on how the hospital's services could best be developed.

Christina Haworth, director of nursing and patient services for the Durham Dales Primary Care Trust, said: "We look forward to the continued involvement of patients and the public as we look at the designs for the new hospital.

"The new Richardson Hospital will be a valuable resource for the PCT in helping to improve access to health services locally, and we believe that seeking local views has been, and will continue to be, vital in helping to shape the pattern of local health care at the hospital in the future."

The information session will take place next Thursday, at 7pm.