BOTANIST and TV personality Dr David Bellamy was guest of honour at the opening of a veterinary surgery in Bishop Auckland.

Paul Wilson Veterinary Surgeons moved into Bishop Auckland's former post office six months ago, but held an officially celebrated to mark the move at the weekend.

The post office building, in Tenters Street, stood empty for more than a year before the practice took it over.

The former sorting room was transformed into a central dispensary, two operating theatres, x-ray rooms, preparation areas and animal recovery rooms.

The 90-year-old building is four times the size of the previous surgery, which was directly opposite the new surgery, making it one of the largest animal hospitals in the region.

Hundreds of people visited the surgery yesterday. Attractions included face-painting and a treasure hunt for children, as well as several prize competitions.

There were stalls from animal charities, including Pat Dogs and Bunny Burrows, and representatives from drugs companies.

Paul Wilson said: "We did this to let people see the new building and what we are doing, because a lot don't have any idea of what is here."