A STATE-of-the-art doctors' surgery offering patients first-class healthcare has been officially opened in Langley Green.

The Langley Green Surgery has been open since the spring but was given a grand unveiling last Wednesday.

Martin Pope, practice manager at the surgery, said: "We are delighted to move into this new state-of-the-art surgery. It is a really exciting development for the area.

"This gives us an excellent opportunity to meet the health needs of people in Langley Green and offer the range of services expected of a modern medical practice.

The surgery, in Langley Drive, was officially opened by the town's mayor last week, although patients have been able to have appointments since May 10.

Dr Charlotte Ruglys said: "Hundreds of patients have visited us over the last two months and the response they have given us has been superb.

"Everyone has been praising the amount of space we have at the new surgery."

The new practice has been developed by The Leacroft Medical Practice in partnership with NHS West Sussex.

Patients will benefit from a service fit for their needs at this new surgery, which has eight more clinical rooms compared to the old location at Stagelands.

Dr Laura Hill said: "We had outgrown the facilities in Stagelands so it is fantastic for us to be able to provide the best health care to residents in this new surgery."

Langley Green is the first of five GP surgeries to be redeveloped in Crawley.

The other surgeries to be updated are based in Broadfield, Gossops Green, Ifield and Southgate.

Langley Green councillor Brenda Smith, who campaigned for the surgery to be built, said: "It is a privilege to see this wonderful surgery which the residents of Langley Green greatly deserve.

"This regeneration is what we needed and I know many residents are already enjoying the benefits of the services available."

Leacroft Medical Practice has been serving the people of Crawley for more than 50 years at its sites in Langley Green and West Green.