A CENTURY-OLD doctor's surgery is set to close its doors for the final time.

Harland House in Norton, which was a doctor's house, and later became home to Norton Medical Centre, will close on Friday.

The medical centre, which has eight doctors and more than 60 other staff serving 15,000 patients, is moving to new purpose-built premises in Billingham Road, Norton.

The move has been planned for a number of months and once construction began, the new building was completed within 24 weeks.

Practice manager Victoria Laing said: "The Swedish timber-framed solution meant that the walls, complete with triple-glazed windows and roof, were erected in only ten days.

"The team are looking forward to the move, the new building will be much more patient-friendly with adequate car parking and space to allow further development of patient services, but many feel a tinge of sadness at leaving Harland House and many years of happy memories."

Because of the move to the new building, there will be no access to the Harland House surgery from 6pm on Friday, and the new premises will open at 8.30am on Monday.

Emergency care over the weekend can be obtained by calling (01642) 631075