A Darlington doctor has become the first in the town to pass computer exams as part of a technological revolution sweeping the health service.

Ian Bagshaw, from Rockcliffe Court Surgery, Hurworth, has passed his European Computer Driving Licence, a world recognised standard in using information technology.

He has been receiving tuition about hard and software at Darlington College of Technology as part of a training initiative commissioned by Darlington Primary Care Trust.

Up to 230 people in hospitals, doctors' surgeries and offices, have signed up for the scheme.

"I was hopeless on the computer," said Dr Bagshaw. "I was self taught but couldn't do much at all."

Being proficient on the computer has already allowed Dr Bagshaw to introduce online systems.

"Patients can now email me repeat prescriptions day or night, seven days a week, instead of using the telephone. That frees up the switchboard," he said.

Dr Bagshaw already uses the computer for appointments.

Another aim is for patients to be booked in for hospital treatment by their doctors, thereby cutting the waiting times caused by the present system, which relies on the postal service.