THE pioneering plastic surgery unit at Shotley Bridge Hospital was set up during the Second World War to treat the horrific injuries suffered by servicemen.

After more than 50 years, the unit begins a fresh chapter the new University Hospital of North Durham. ADRIAN WORSLEY looks at the end of an era.

THE tower block housing the plastic surgery wards has a homely 70s feel to it - right down to the fading decor.

The unit's new home at the shiny new Durham City hospital 15 miles down the road 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 over the weekend.

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

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

Unfortunately, the unit's pioneering work always had a large customer base, even after the carnage of the war ended.

Consett Steelworks provided a steady flow of disfigured men - mainly on the receiving end of molten metal.

And as Jill Robson, senior ward sister since 1987, explains - since the closure of the steelworks 20 years ago, business is still as brisk as ever.

"These days we treat a lot of skin cancer sufferers," she said. "We get less burn injuries now, mainly because of improved health regulations, the steelworks closing down and less open fires for children to fall into."

With a medical 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, are not 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 per cent 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."

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.