IT'S the end of an era for a Weymouth and Dorchester vet who is retiring.

A round of a paws is being given for well-known local vet Dave Cumber who has taken the decision to step away from the business, Dave Cumber Vets, following 34 years at the company.

Mr Cumber made the decision at the start of the year that he would retire in September.

The business will continue to trade under the Dave Cumber Vets name and the veterinary care will be taken over by the new clinical directors of Dave Cumber Vets, Amy Bowen and Stuart Bond.

Mr Bond has been with the practice for more than ten years and Ms Bowen for eight.

Dave Cumber Vets opened a new £1 million purpose-built veterinary surgery at Link Park in Chickerell in 2016.

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Previously the surgery was in Chickerell Road, where Mr Cumber was a partner along with Martin Fielding, operating as Fielding & Cumber.

Mr Cumber, Director of Dave Cumber Vets, said: “I am hugely proud that I have left behind one of the best surgeries in the south west.

“I have really loved building the practice over the past 34 years. It was always my dream to have a purpose-built well-equipped surgery in Weymouth.

He added: “I could not have achieved that without the support and dedication of a great team. Having worked with Amy and Stuart for several years, I know that I am leaving the surgery in safe hands. I wish them the very best of luck.”

As well as Link Park, Dave Cumber Vets has a surgery in Mellstock Avenue, Dorchester.