PET owners in Royal Wootton Bassett turned out in force for the opening of the new Thameswood Vets practice in Station Road.

The new clinic, which starts running appointments today, hopes to help owners take care of their pets and provide medical care when needed.

Practice manager Giovanna Hartley said: “Thameswood Vets is a family-run business and we already have clinics in Swindon. We’ve been established since 1986 and we felt it was time to expand into Royal Wootton Bassett.

“We live locally and we already have customers who come from Bassett.

“Many people have family pets and want somewhere close to take them.”

The new clinic, which has already accepted some registrations, is offering a prize for the 50th person to sign up, and another for the 100th customer. It also intends to run a scheme with the PDSA to help pet owners who receive benefits.

The new clinic is the third one to come to the town. Mayor Linda Frost, who opened the new business, said: “We have a lot of independent businesses in Royal Wootton Bassett and to open one more shows that people think it is a good place to develop and grow their business.”

To find out more, call 01793 230236.