PATIENTS at a County Durham community hospital have dedicated a new sun lounge to the architect who inspired its creation.

Robert Niven died from cancer a few months after seeing the Weardale Community Hospital, which he designed, open in 2002.

His widow Meg was invited to open an extension which will house a new day hospice.

Modern matron Julie Walton, said: "Rob was wonderful to work with. He was very caring towards our needs and an absolute gentleman. We call the lounge Robert's Sun Room in memory of him."