STAFF at a Bishop Auckland veterinary surgery are leading by example by training their pets to become good citizens.

Veterinary surgeons Samantha Goldberg and Ashlea Wakeford and veterinary nurse Donna Smith have been presented with Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme bronze awards along with their pets Solstice, Molly and Maddie.

The veterinary staff were part of a class of ten taking part in the dog classes at Wilsons Veterinary Surgery in Tenter Street, Bishop Auckland.

It is the first time the classes have been run from the surgery and all ten people taking part graduated.

Mrs Smith said: "It is really all about teaching your dog basic obedience and teaching them how to become good dogs in a fun way. We have had a great time and the dogs have loved it.''

The surgery is planning an open day on Monday, May 1, to celebrate National Pet Week and pet owners can find out more about the scheme and how to become involved.

Guest at the event will be Heather Stevens, from dog training company Clicker Connexon, who takes the classes and features Joshua, the dancing rottweiler.

For more information, contact the surgery on (01388) 602707.