A DOCTORS' practice has been recognised for its high standard of patient care.

Bishop Auckland MP Derek Foster presented Dr Andrew Sanderson's practice, in Spennymoor, with a Quality Practice Award from the Royal College of GPs.

All practice staff, including health visitors, district nurses and midwives, were involved in the project, during which the practice had to submit a portfolio of written evidence.

Practice manager Tracey Martin said: "A lot of work and commitment was required to meet the standards set out for the award, and it would certainly not have been possible to achieve this without the hard work and commitment of all staff at the practice and the primary health care team."

Nigel Porter, chief executive of Sedgefield Primary Care Trust, said: "This is the seventh GP practice in the Sedgefield area to achieve the Quality Practice status.

"The primary care trust hopes that other GP practices in the area will also strive to achieve this important award.

"A successful application recognises a high standard of patient care delivered by every member of the team.

"It is an excellent starting point for us to improve patient services throughout the Sedgefield area."