A £1m doctors' surgery has opened, adding architectural know-how to the field of medicine.

General practitioner Aiden Lavender spent months analysing practices around the country to come up with the perfect surgery for Parkgate, Darlington.

The result is a well lit and airy building devoid of corridors and boasting a friendly atmosphere.

"Many surgeries are a bit dark and can be claustrophobic," he said.

"We have gone for an open balcony effect which has a much nicer feel."

The nine-month project was developed by Jarvis Health Care Protection to cater for 12,000 patients in the Victoria Road area. The building is rented from Jarvis by Darlington Primary Care Trust.

Eight GPs have been joined by 16 staff, including three nurses and a health care assistant, in manning one of the best facilities in the town.

The medical centre has eight consulting rooms, counselling facilities, a baby clinic, multi-purpose areas, a reception, nurse accommodation, administrative areas, conference suite and kitchen.

It was officially opened by Denise Walton, widow of Dr David Walton, a general practitioner at the practice for 25 years, who died four years ago.

She said: "This practice has been a huge part of my life since we moved to Darlington in 1968, when we just had one room in Parkgate Chambers."

Practice manager Margaret Wood said: "A lot of hard work has gone into the new building and I'm delighted with the end result. We fought hard to get this design because it is not like most surgeries."