A VETERINARY practice in the region, designed and run by a husband and wife team, has won a prestigious national award.

CVS, Myton Park in Ingleby Barwick, run by Penny and Derek Copeland, was named the winning practice in the British Veterinary Hospital Association practice design competition 2000 at the annual BVHA conference in York.

The judges, also veterinary surgeons, were impressed with the way the original vision for the surgery had been translated into reality.

The surgery provides state-of-the-art operating facilities, up-to-date surroundings, comfortable kennels, qualified nursing staff and on-site living accommodation to provide round the clock care for in-patients.

The judges were impressed with the site of the surgery, its easy access car park and the friendly 'family' atmosphere of the practice standard.

CVS was chosen for the award following an inspection and a presentation by Mrs Copeland on the design of the surgery.

Mr Copeland said: "It makes a change that a Teesside practice wins such an important award as opposed to the normal large South East and London based practices that are normally given these awards."

The centre specialises in small animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents from the Ingleby Barwick, Thornaby, Yarm and Eaglescliffe district.