An animal practice in Wangford has picked up a top regional accolade for the second year running.

Wangford Veterinary Clinic has been named Pet Clinic of the Year 2017 for Suffolk by GPH Animal Health, recognising those who go beyond their duty of care to improve the welfare and health of animals.

The winners were chosen by votes and research carried out by Global Health and Pharma Magazine.

Walter Stöhr, practice owner and senior vet, said: 'I am thrilled and incredibly proud. As a practice, we are constantly working hard to provide the best service possible to pets and their owners, and for me and my team to be recognised for our experience, skill and client care is such an honour.'

Wangford Veterinary Clinic is an independent small practice that has been providing veterinary care for more than 15 years.

The practice team pride themselves on getting involved with the community and helping with fundraising and initiatives concerning the welfare of animals.

And thanks to the support of clients and local people, the team raised £11,505.03 throughout 2017 for charity. The funds came from events such as the Strutt Your Mutt charity dog day, and two appeals organised by the practice - Poppies on 4 Paws and Santa Paws - as well as in-house events such as emergency pet first aid evenings.

The practice also sponsors a hearing dog puppy named Forrest, and with the help of clients have collected almost 7kg of used stamps for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

As well as caring for animals, the practice has made a pledge to care for the environment and has purchased an electric van with a charging point due to be installed outside the premises. It also uses its own prescription bags made of re-cycled paper and earlier this year put up bird boxes and insect hotels around the premises.

Mr Stöhr said: 'Although we will continue to invest in equipment and training for our team so that we can continue to provide the highest level of care possible to our patients it will always be the relationship we share with the clients that remains important to us and everything we do.'