A POPULAR veterinary centre has changed ownership after nearly 30 years.

Abbotswood Veterinary Centre was established in 1991 as a local independent ‘one-stop’ practice for clients and their pets.

It was started by Dr Patrick Murphy but now it has changed hands, with Dr Hannah Scott taking over the practice.

A large amount of the staff are staying at the centre, and Hannah hopes that they can continue to provide the good service that made Dr Murphy so popular.

Hannah, 32, has always had a love of animals and is now pleased to have achieved her dream.

“I grew up in a family of animal lovers with a variety of animals including cats, dogs, horses, birds and rabbits,” she explained.

“I then moved onto a farm so I always grew up wanting to be a vet and was focussed on this from a young age.

“I worked as a locum at Abbotswood for the last 4 years while Patrick was on his holidays and then increased this over the last year.

“I studied at Liverpool University and lived up there for a few years after I graduated but I came back to be closer to my family about 5 years ago.”

Dr Murphy will continue to work at the practice with Hannah, something she is really pleased about.

“It is lovely that Patrick is still involved and he has been available to offer me help and advice.

“The best thing about being a vet is when you have seen a sick pet through an illness and get to return them to their family.”

Hannah has one pet, a cheeky 11-year-old African Grey Parrot called Lola, she can sometimes be seen at the centre chatting to customers.

“I want to continue Abbotswood as the small friendly independent practice that it already is but I am currently in the process of redecorating and modernising some of the equipment to increase the services we can offer.

“I’d like to thank all our existing clients for their loyalty and support and I hope that we can continue to provide the same service going forward.”