TODAY marks the end of an era at the Avon Lodge veterinary group, in Salisbury, as two of the firm's vets retire from the long-established practice.

Between them, John Dalton and Simon Crowther have put in 56 years' continuous service to the agricultural and pet owning communities of Salisbury.

John (56), of Middle Woodford, bought his share of the practice from his father in 1972.

"This will be the first time since 1949 there won't be a Dalton involved in the practice," said John.

"That's when my father came. It was just before my third birthday and it has been a big part of my life ever since."

He added: "Being a vet has been a lot of fun - you have such a dramatic relationship with your clients.

"People will tell you things that they won't tell their vicar or their doctor!"

Beside working for the group, which has branches in Salisbury, Amesbury and Wilton, John has also worked on various committees for the British Small Animal Veterinary Association, ultimately being elected president of the organisation in 1995.

He was particularly involved in the establishment of the BSAVA practice standards scheme, of which the Avon Lodge veterinary group is one of the few UK veterinary practices to have passed the inspections twice.

John now plans to spend all his working time concentrating on his other practice, Dalton's Game Consultancy, which is based at the Boscombe Centre, Amesbury.

He also hopes to do more golfing, tennis, fishing, shooting and gardening.

Simon (60), of Quidhampton, joined the practice in 1978, becoming a partner in 1996.

He had previously worked for Christian Aid in North Africa and Nigeria and returned to the Salisbury area towards the end of the '70s.

"I originally came to do small animal surgery and discovered I was more qualified, at the time, for large animals, so I went into the cattle part of the practice," said Simon.

He added: "I shall miss working with John - although very dissimilar, we have worked together a very long time and I've got to know him well."

Simon's services to the practice will not be entirely lost, though, as he will continue to work at the Wilton branch on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

And in his spare time, he hopes to pursue his love of surfing.

The Avon Lodge veterinary group will continue to be run by the remaining partners, Guy Wolverson and Kevin Watts.