A VET in north Durham is celebrating a hat-trick of awards.

Prince Bishop Veterinary Hospital in Leadgate, near Consett, was hailed as ‘outstanding’ in three categories in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Practice Standard Scheme Awards.

Judges praised the practice for their excellence in client service, diagnostic service and patient consultation service.

The practice was set up by Jacqui Molyneux in 1984, with the support of only two nurses.

The state-of-the-art animal hospital now employs 24 staff, including five vets and ten nurses with a branch surgery in Crook.

Ms Molyneaux said: “We take a lot of pride in what we have achieved.

“It is a real team effort.”