SURGO Construction, one of the region's largest independent building contractors has recruited seven members of staff.

BRIAN HUNTER, from Stanley, County Durham, BARRY COOPER, from Newcastle, and DAVID BLYTH, who moved from the Midlands, have been appointed senior quantity surveyors.

Mr Hunter will be working on the construction of the Science Learning Centre, at Framwellgate School, Durham. Mr Cooper will work on the extension of Newburn Leisure Centre, while Mr Blyth is working on the Farringdon Community School project, in Sunderland.

Another new member of the team is DARIN STEPHENS, from Gateshead, who has been appointed as a planner. He will be working on a project at The Royal Grammar School. in Newcastle.

Three site managers have also been appointed. They are HARRY TWIZELL from Newbiggin, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DEREK LLEWELLYN, from Middlesbrough, and JOE COYNE, from Cramlington, Northumberland.