A DOCTOR who served his community for more than 50 years has opened a refurbished medical centre dedicated to him.

Staff and a selection of patients were invited to attend the re-opening of Trimdon Medical Centre.

The centre, at Dr Jones and Partners, Trimdon Colliery, is dedicated to Dr Maurice Carroll, who worked in Trimdon for 53 years.

It offers several additional facilities, including four doctors' consulting rooms, two treatment rooms and a chiropody room.

Practice manager Colin Miller said: "Work started on the modernisation of the practice in May 2003, and it took only a few months to complete. Staff and patients coped extremely well with the on-going building works.

"These excellent new facilities have provided us with a modern, comfortable environment for patients, as well as staff, and comply with the Disability Discrimination legislation.

"We have already received many appreciative and positive comments from our patients.