SEADOWN Veterinary Group - the New Forest mixed veterinary practice based in Hythe - is celebrating its 95th anniversary year.

From humble beginnings in the back garden of the founding partners house to a major hospital with three branches and more than 60 staff - the practice has grown from strength to strength since being established in 1923.

In the early years farm animals kept on and around the New Forest provided the main workload. Branches were opened in Totton in 1962 and Lymington in 1964 at a time when companion animals were becoming more important.

As the practice grew, new premises were needed and at Hythe the Seadown surgery was granted Hospital status soon after it was established in 1974. Extensions to the hospital were added in 1990 and 2000 to keep up with the increasing numbers of patients.

The Lymington premises were extended in 2009, enabling them to carry out minor surgery and run nurse clinics.

Over the years the team have branched out into many areas of animal care including a specialist eye referral service.

Each year the practice provides veterinary cover at the New Forest Show as well having involvement in the annual stallion passing, breed shows and point-to-point.

Bob Bentley, partner and vet who has been at Seadown for 34 years said: "Many of the staff have been with the practice for many years. In fact one member of staff has been with us for over 50 years. The family atmosphere is enhanced by the fact we have five instances where two of the same family are involved with the practice. In one case we have three of the same family.

"We love what we do and consider ourselves so lucky to live in this area and work with a great team, wonderful clients and a huge breadth of special patients, from family dogs and cats, to exotics and all sorts of wildlife, and from farm livestock and forest donkeys and ponies to competition and pleasure horses.

"It certainly keeps us out of mischief"