CONGRATULATIONS have poured in for a Blakedown vet after he was named Horse & Hound's Vet of the Year 2018.

Alistair Field, of Field Equine Vets, was nominated by one of his clients for the prestigious award, and following a public vote was announced the winner at a glitzy awards ceremony at Cheltenham Racecourse on Thursday, November 8.

The 37-year-old The Shuttle: "I'm in total disbelief and very humbled to be named Vet of the Year. I have very lovely clients and my colleagues are all chuffed.

"I am so fortunate to work alongside a set of colleagues that have been with me since the start of Field Equine Vets - from the day before we started, with no computer system or telephone, all of us sat rather nervously wondering what the next day may bring.

"They stuck by me then and have worked tirelessly to build Field Equine into where we are today.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the clients and others that voted for me. It is humbling and really quite embarrassing but I am bowled over by the many kind comments people have posted."

Alistair, who lives in Hartlebury, has been a vet for 14 years and launched Field Equine Vets in Belbroughton Road three years ago.

His love of horses started as a child, when his sister kept ponies.

Alistair added: "I owe a huge debt to the hundreds of horses I have treated over the years.

"They are the most fascinating and unique animal that never cease to amaze with their stoicism, bravery and dedication to man."