A NEW veterinary practice has opened in Lancing.

Adur Valley Vets treats cats, dogs, rabbits and other small mammals offering full surgical suite, separate wards for cats and dogs, digital X-ray, and dental facilities with dental X-ray.

To help create a stress free environment for its patients, the waiting room has specially designated cat and dog areas.

The new facility has been set up by veterinary surgeon Alastair Ball who graduated from Cambridge University in 1994.

Having first worked in veterinary practice in Hampshire, he moved to Sussex in 2001 and worked at a practice in the Burgess Hill area which was later sold to a corporate chain. More recently he has worked in Shoreham.

He said: “I had always wanted to set up my own practice.

“In a world where the typical practice is either getting bigger and more impersonal or is being taken over by large corporate entities, I wanted to be able to provide a good quality service based on more traditional values where the clients would be able to see the same vet on each visit and get to know the practice team’.

Alastair is joined by previous colleagues Anna Cook and Rikki Backstrom.

Anna has more than 20 years experience while Rikki formally worked for The Dogs Trust.

The aim of the new practice will be to build a sustainable practice that can remain independent and continue to service the local community.

The team will be delighted to welcome visitors to the Open Day between 12.30pm and 5pm on October 7 to enjoy canapés supplied by The Hummingbird Restaurant from Shoreham Airport and to have a look around the new veterinary facility.

Adur Valley Vets can be found at 8 Lisher Road or contacted via www.adurvalleyvets.co.uk or facebook.co.uk/AdurValleyVets