NORTH Park Veterinary Group will certainly be out in force in the showground with  their staff members working hard to make sure the animals who are on display or competing are well looked after.

The group has a North Tawton Surgery in Fore Street, an Okehampton branch at Unit 1, Cranmere Road, Exeter industrial estate and another in Buddle Lane, Hatherleigh, to cover Mid and West Devon.

Its main surgery at North Tawton is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment including new consulting rooms, kennels, laboratory and upgrading the operational facilities, reception, waiting room and dispensary — representing a major financial investment from the company.

The North Park Veterinary Group is well established having been founded in the 1940s providing a service for farm animals, horses and pets. Its aim is 'to give a high level of professional and personal service  in a caring and compassionate way.'

The group is a participant in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons'  Practice Standards Scheme — a voluntary initiative to accredit veterinary practices in the UK. Through setting standards and carrying out regular inspections, the scheme aims to promote and maintain the highest standards of veterinary care.

North Park vets have been honorary veterinarians at the Okehampton Show for the past six years.  

This year  director Roger Cunningham will be overseeing the cattle and horses in the main ring; Bryony Herrod-Taylor, the president of the Okehampton and district Canine Society, will be judging in the dog show.  

Horse vet Hayden Webb will be taking care of equine interests.

Margaret Goaman, practice manager for North Park Veterinary Group,  told the Times: 'The Okehampton Show is our local show and where our  clients are, so we are delighted to support such a great annual event.'

North Parks vets have a stand at the show (near the cattle) and it has become a tradition to enjoy an iced bun and cup of tea with their customers old and new.