A VETERINARY group has re-opened one of the oldest purpose-built animal surgeries in the UK.

Alnorthumbria Vets has spent nine months planning and carrying out the refurbishment of the Wagonway Road surgery in Alnwick so it is now equipped to treat everything from cats to cattle on site.

It is believed that the Wagonway Road site, opened in 1897 by George Craik MRCVS, was one of the first purpose-built veterinary surgeries in the country. Alnorthumbria director, John Macfarlane, said: “The refurbishments made to our Wagonway Road practice mean that we can offer many more services from one central location.

“It will be equipped with top-class facilities and will be run by a team who all have significant experience in treating Northumberland’s animals.

“We are all really excited to be moving back into Wagonway Road and it is a great achievement for the veterinary group. We can now offer a wider range of treatments and services for our clients and put our expertise to the very best use.”

Alnorthumbria, which employs 28 people, was created five years ago from the merger of the Aln Veterinary Group and Northumbria Veterinary Partnership.

The Wagonway renovations had been in the pipeline before the merger. David Young, a small animal director, is the longest serving member of staff and started working at the Wagonway Road practice in 1978.

He said: “Having been involved in veterinary practice in Northumberland for so many years I have certainly seen an evolution in the industry.

“The Wagonway Road site is set to offer the very best in progressive animal health care and is testament to Alnorthumbria’s commitment to providing a caring and up-to-date service with modern premises for our clients and their animals.”