THE history of Sedgefield Community Hospital has been recorded in a book launched at the weekend.

Author Bob Abley visited the new hospital in the village yesterday to sign copies of the book which has taken a year to write.

As a thank you for his work, staff at the hospital presented him with a framed poem and collage using pictures from the book.

Kath Vasey, head of nursing and community services for Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, said that the book had captured the hospital's character perfectly.

She said: "It is marvellous. We are really delighted with it. It has managed to capture all of the lovely personal stories that people who have worked here, or have been linked with the hospital in some way, have told.''

Demolition has started at the former Community Hospital, which was built as an emergency military hospital in 1941.

It was expected to have a working life of ten years, but it remained open until July last year, when patients and staff transferred to a new community hospital.

Mr Abley, who formerly worked at the hospital, talked to many former staff and patients before putting the book together. It is now on sale for £9.99.