Bishop Auckland's health service took another step forward when a three-storey medical centre opened yesterday.

The Braeside Medical Centre has moved into new premises in Escomb Road, where Bishop Auckland's £67m hospital will open next spring.

The centre, built on former railway sidings and renamed Station View Medical Centre, cost about £900,000 to build and was opened by Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster.

Practice manager John Worrall said: "Our original premises became quite cramped and there were no facilities for deliveries.

"This is a much bigger site, more modern site and staff and patients now have their own car park.