Harbottle GP surgery closure sees tears shed

A GP surgery which served part of Northumberland for more than 100 years has closed.

Protesters staged a demonstration outside the surgery in Harbottle and some were in tears as it closed today.

Practice nurse Nicky Hooley said she was "gutted" at the closure but said people wouldn't give up their support for the surgery.

The surgery, which covers a 1,600 square mile patch of rural Northumberland, is closing after the current GP opted to hand back the contract to run it. She's blaming difficulties in hiring staff coupled with a reduction in funding.

Protester Catherine King told BBC Look North reporter Andrew Hartley she would fight for it to be brought back.