A West Craven county councillor is thought to be one of the first in Lancashire to use a new kind of “high-tech” surgery.

“I’m always looking for new and innovative ways to connect with the hard-to-reach in our community,” said Coun Keith Bailey (Cons).

“Last year I did mostly street surgeries and these were a great success. However street surgeries can only be done during the day, but after 4pm is a no-no this time of year.”

Instead he has introduced “e-surgeries”, which can be conducted at any time.

“I use the ‘message service’ on Facebook which is completely private. You need to be a friend on Facebook to use it. I know it’s not for everyone but it’s another means of communication.”

Coun Bailey will hold a pilot e-surgery on Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm.

He will also hold regular and street surgeries on January 17, 24 and 31, February 7, 13, 19 and 28, March 7, 14, 21 and 28, and April 4.