THE history of a doctors' surgery which has been operating in Stockton since at least 1881 has been written by five ex-members of the practice who have a total of 140 years' service between them.

The book, titled Up From the Basement: A History of Tennant Street Medical Practice, features a Northern Echo article from 1966 about the then dire state of the practice, then on Norton Road.

At that point the surgery was based in a basement in a converted building and the article, by legendary reporter Luke Casey, featured a group of patients waiting outside because there was no space indoors.

One of the authors, former GP, Dr Mary Naisby, explained the article created such a stir it enabled the younger doctors at the practice to persuade the senior partner to introduce an appointment system and more equitable pay and workload.

Dr Naisby also explained a theme of the book was about how the history of medicine across Britain was reflected at the practice and the small Stockton community it served and continues to serves from Tennant Street in Stockton.

The book also includes lots of funny James Herriot-style stories about the life of a GP.

So far more than 300 of the books have been sold at £5 each and a cheque for £1,300 has been given to the A Way Out charity which helps vulnerable young women in the town.

The book is available from the practice itself and also from libraries across the borough of Stockton.