A NEW look doctors' surgery opened its doors in Calne on Monday thanks to an innovative conservation and refurbishment project that will eventually provide space to accommodate another GP.

Patford House has opened a year after work began on refurbishing the Grade 11-listed building, which had lain empty for six years.

Calne GPs Paul Harris and Jeanne Taudevin moved from the Elm Grove Surgery into the new town centre surgery this week.

The refurbishment scheme, which cost more than £700,000, was as a result of an innovative partnership between North Wiltshire District Council, Wiltshire Health Authority and English Heritage.

The building had been empty for nearly six years and needed extensive repairs including a new roof and windows, and interior renovation.

The new surgery has a range of treatment and consultation rooms, and an office for a nurse practitioner.

At the opening ceremony, Calne town and district councillor Elizabeth Hitchens, the chairman of the area committee, handed over the surgery keys to Dr Harris and Dr Taudevin.

After touring the new facility Coun Hitchens said: "This is the result of a unique partnership between North Wiltshire District Council, Wiltshire Health Authority and English Heritage.

"This spacious, state of the art facility will be of great benefit to the local community".