AN award-winning vets is celebrating 25 years of caring for the area's pets.

The team at Clent Hills Vets are thanking the local pet owning community for their support since forming in 1996.

The firm began when Rod Stroud joined forces with Alun Edwards and purchased long-standing independent veterinary practices in Bromsgrove and Hagley.

Over the next decade the firm grew to seven mixed practice vets and 20 support staff while in 2009 Rebekka Fiorani became a partner in the business having worked her way up from kennel hand, starting back in 1996.

In 2013 the Bromsgrove practice moved to a new purpose-built surgery on Worcester Road, and in 2019 the premises were expanded with an enlarged and improved waiting area and the addition of two extra consultation rooms.

In 2016 the Hagley practice also underwent a major refurbishment and a third practice, in Rubery, opened in 2017. The following year Clent Hills Vets joined forces with Bromsgrove Canine Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy and opened a new business, Clent Hills Pet Fitness & Rehabilitation Centre, in Bromsgrove.

The vets has landed several prestigious awards over the years, becoming a top three finalist for ‘Innovation of the Year’ in the North Worcestershire Business Award in 2019, and in March 2021 the Bromsgrove practice was voted ‘Best in Worcestershire’ in The Best UK Vet Awards.

The business has also supported animal charities over the years with fundraising activities for Therapy Dogs Nationwide, The Cinnamon Trust, the British Bee Veterinary Association, the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Fresh Start for Hens.

Rebekka Fiorani said: “We are all very proud to have been looking after people’s precious pets for so many years, whilst also helping a variety of important associated charities. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of our progression since 1996, we wouldn’t be here without you.”