THE pioneering plastic surgery unit at Shotley Bridge set up during the second world war has this week re-located to the new University Hospital of North Durham.

The unit's new home might have all the mod cons and state-of-the-art surgical equipment - but try telling that to the 30-odd staff who made the move last weekend.

They clearly prefer the familiar charm of a ward that has reflected the ups and downs of life in north Durham since it was set up to deal with injured soldiers.

Back then trainloads of injured men, many of them suffering from scorch and blast injuries, would be treated, tightly packed, in wooden huts that are still standing.

The unit's pioneering work always had a large customer base, even after the war.

Consett Steelworks provided a steady flow of disfigurements - mainly body parts on the receiving end of white hot molten steel.

And as Jill Robson, senior ward sister since 1987 explains, since the steelwork's closure 20 years ago, business is still as brisk as ever.

"These days we treat a lot of skin cancer sufferers - in fact far more than we ever have before - and more hand and fist injuries, possibly from fighting. We get fewer burn injuries now, mainly because of improved health regulations, the steelworks closing down and less open fires for children to fall into."

With a remit covering everything from tendon and nerve re-constructions to post-mastectomy work and breast reductions, the unit's 25 beds, now reduced to 20, aren't empty for long.

Ken Haggerty, directorate manager for plastic surgery and orthopaedics, said some of the 32 ward staff might be reluctant to leave Shotley Bridge, but he has no doubts they'll adapt.

He said: "There is an emotional wrench for 100% of the staff, but they are a superb team in every sense of the word. Most of them are absolutely determined not to lose the spirit they have. However, the new place isn't Shotley Bridge."

Staff at Shotley reckoned the spectacular views over the rolling hills of the Derwent Valley had a revitalising quality on patients. It's hoped that Durham Cathedral, just about visible through the trees, will have the same effect at their new home