NORTH Park Veterinary Group has now completed its move into the former Bridge Inn building in Hatherleigh, and invited the community into the new premises to look around.

The vets held an open day on May 13 for people to come and have a look around the new larger branch surgery as well as reminisce about the old pub.

The surgery was officially opened by Mary Hindson, whose husband was one of the founding members of North Park Vets over 60 years ago.

The practice has moved several times within Hatherleigh from Tigwyns to London House in High Street to the The Barn in Buddle Lane, but as the companion animal requirements have grown, so has the need for bigger premises.

Senior companion animal veterinary surgeon Bryony Herrod-Taylor said: ‘Although it is sad to see the closure of another pub, the Bridge Inn has provided an excellent though challenging premises for the vets. We have kept some of the old features including the reception desk which is made from the old bar and the vintage hand pump.

We have now got operating facilities available in the new surgery, with a spacious waiting room and peaceful consulting rooms.

We are thrilled to get the new surgery up and running, and I am very proud of all the members of staff at North Park who have worked so hard to get the premises finished and make the open day such a success.’