THE tower block housing the plastic surgery wards has a homely 70s feel to it - right down to the fading decor.

The unit's new home, the University Hospital of North Durham, 15 miles down the road might have all the mod cons and latest surgical equipment - but try telling that to the 30-odd staff who made the move over the weekend.

They clearly prefer the familiar charm of a ward that has reflected the ups and downs of life in north County Durham since it was set up to deal with injured soldiers during the Second World War.

Back then, train loads of men, many of them suffering from horrific scorch and blast injuries, would be treated, tightly packed, in wooden huts which are still standing in the grounds of the hospital.

Unfortunately, the unit's pioneering work always had a large patient base, even after the carnage of the war ended.

Consett Steelworks provided a steady flow of injury victims - mainly on the receiving end of burns from molten metal.

And as Jill Robson, senior ward sister since 1987, explains - despite the closure of the steelworks 20 years ago, the wards have been kept busy.

"These days we treat a lot of skin cancer sufferers," she said.

"We get less burn injuries now, mainly because of improved health regulations, the steelworks closing down, and fewer open fires for children to fall into."

With a medical remit covering everything from tendon and nerve re-constructions to post-mastectomy work and breast reductions, the unit's 25 beds, now reduced to 20, are not empty for long.

Ken Haggerty, directorate manager for plastic surgery and orthopaedics, said some of the 32 ward staff might be reluctant to leave Shotley Bridge, but he has no doubts they will adapt.

He said: "There is an emotional wrench for 100 per cent of the staff, but they are a superb team in every sense of the word.

"Most of them are absolutely determined not to lose the spirit they have."

Staff at Shotley reckoned the spectacular views over the hills of the Derwent Valley had a revitalising quality on patients.

It's hoped that Durham Cathedral, just about visible through the trees, will have the same effect at their new home.