A PURPOSE built doctors' surgery offering residents a wide range of health services, including minor operations is set to open in Tidworth on 21 February.

The Castle Practice in Ludgershall commissioned the new health centre for the patients of its Elm House surgery in Tidworth at a site close to the Ashdown Family Centre in Drummer Lane, off Station Road. It's been funded through a private finance initiative

Practice manager, Paul Bessant said: "One third of our patients attend the Tidworth surgery and we want to provide them with a full range of services.

"We considered extending the existing surgery but it was not practical."

The practice decided the most effective way ahead would be to sell Elm House and provide a purpose-built surgery.

"We planned for the future and have designed a building which will allow for the practice to expand," added Mr Bessant.

"We are aiming for a one-stop shop. For the full story see Friday's Andover Advertiser.