A Downend vet has given a former butcher's shop a new lease of life.

With 20 years of experience under his belt Mark Binns, 44, will be doing his best to ensure the animals leaving his practice are alive and kicking.

He said: "Although our new premises used to be a butchery, we spend most of our time looking after household pets –cats, dogs, rabbits and small furries. Opening up in Downend was logical as it is half way between our current practices in St George and Chipping Sodbury.

"Given the current trend for backyard and urban chicken keeping, I think that as a result of being in Downend we might also be seeing a lot more feathered patients, too. Of course, we are always here to give advice on general health just as much as caring for pets when they are ill.

"In the old days, butchers actually performed surgery on human patients, thankfully both human and veterinary medicine today has moved on."

The new shop, on Cleeve Wood Road, is unusual as everyone who answers the phone is either a vet or nurse.

Mr Binns said: "We believe that our clients want to speak to someone with real expertise when they call, not only so they can get proper advice over the phone, but so that we can help identify real emergencies so they can be seen promptly."

Animal House Vets at Downend Veterinary Centre will be open daily from 8.30am to 6.30pm on weekdays and from 9.30am to 1pm on Saturdays. Full pet vet care is available on site, including surgery. More serious cases will be transferred to the Animal House Veterinary Hospital in St. George's, where the team provide comprehensive care.