PART-TIME actor Mark Coatesworth is ready to take up a new role as one of the latest breed of health professionals in Hartlepool.

After 20 years as a paramedic with the North-East Ambulance Service, he found himself starring in television dramas such as Wire in the Blood with Robson Green, Byker Grove and Auf Wiedersehen Pet.

He has recently played a French policeman in the movie The Game and was a detective in the police drama 55 Degrees North.

But he is now taking a leading role with Hartlepool Primary Care Trust as an emergency care practitioner.

Since last month, two emergency care practitioners have been working in Hartlepool helping deal with less serious medical ailments.

"It means quicker treatment for patients and helps keep them out of hospital," said Mr Coatesworth.

"The whole idea is to reduce the numbers of people going to casualty and to see the doctor, allowing more free time for clinics."

Mr Coatesworth previously worked in the ambulance service's rapid response unit and was the first point of contact for many patients.