Vets4Pets has opened it's 450th joint venture practice in Essex with Cheryl Lucas MRCVS and veterinary nurse Nick Briggs.

The Mayor of Loughton, Councillor Philip Abraham, officially opened the Vets4Pets Loughton veterinary surgery inside Pets at Home at the Epping Forest Shopping Park, before enjoying a guided tour of the bright and modern facility.

Cheryl, who stars in the BBC’s children’s TV show The Pet Factor, said: "It’s fantastic to be able to open the doors to Vets4Pets Loughton and reach a landmark number of practices for the group.

"The opening event gave us chance to meet new clients, and welcome them to the practice."

Cheryl qualified in 2009 and is also a joint venture partner at Vets4Pets Chadwell and Newbury Park in Ilford.

Nick, who qualified in 2008, is also joint venture partner at Newbury Park, Romford, Beckton and Dagenham.

Nick said: "I have always been interested in caring for pets and have several dogs and cats at home.

"I love being a veterinary nurse and I’m delighted to have another opportunity from Vets4Pets to open my fifth practice.

"Once again the process to open a practice has been easy and we’ve had brilliant support on all aspects from Vets4Pets.

"I’m now looking forward to welcoming pets and their owners to Vets4Pets Loughton and providing the highest standard of veterinary care to the area’s pets."

The new practice will create five new jobs, with two vets, veterinary nurse, two pet care assistants and a receptionist.

Chief executive of the Pets at Home Vet Group, Andrei Balta, said: "Cheryl and Nick are two great advocates for the veterinary profession and we’re delighted they are part of the group.

"Wherever we have opened, pet owners have responded enthusiastically to our state-of-the-art practices and convenient opening hours.

"The joint venture model we operate across our practices provides the support vets and vet nurses need to run their businesses.

"It allows them to focus on what they really love, looking after the health of animals, while the support team helps with other areas including marketing, HR and business strategy."

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.