THE first step towards the creation of a new doctor's surgery has been taken in Pocklington.

A turf-cutting ceremony was held at the site of the new Pocklington Group Practice at West Green yesterday.

The new £4 million facility will replace the current premises in Barmby Road, and the ceremony was attended by practice manager Berni Judge, practice partner Dr Alison Atkinson, David Ogilvie, Mark Leason, managing director of Lindum Simon Gregory and Bernie Rae.

Berni Judge said: "The benefits of the new building will include significantly improved accessibility for all patients; improved reception and waiting areas providing more space and comfort, additional consulting and treatment rooms providing high quality space to expand the practice and to the meet the needs of the existing and increasing patient lists."