Discount vaccinations for pets are being offered for a six-week period in a bid to target fatal diseases.

The George Veterinary Group, with surgeries in Malmesbury, Tetbury and Wootton Bassett, is making the special offer for six weeks from the beginning of April, in conjunction with veterinary pharmaceutical company, Intervet.

Owners of dogs and cats, who have forgotten or omitted to renew their annual vaccinations, will be able to obtain full cover for them for the next 12 months, at the reduced cost of a normal annual booster injection.

The George Group's small animal partner Mike Hollywood said: "We have noticed an increasing number of pet owners are failing to renew their vaccinations, probably because they feel that they are no longer needed.

"But these diseases are still prevalent and can be fatal. They are much more expensive to treat than prevent. As always, prevention is much better and cheaper than the cure."

Recent research shows that only half the dogs and cats in the UK are fully protected against infectious diseases.