VET Guy Parkinson has retired after treating thousands of Wiltshire pets and farm animals in a 37-year career.

The 61-year-old’s role at Garstons Veterinary Surg-ery, in Wingfield Road, Trow-bridge, ended last week.

It was nearly four decades after he started at the surgery in 1974, then Parsons, Archer and Edwards and later Glenleigh Surgery and Garstons.

Mr Parkinson, of Corsley, said: “I’m going to miss all the close relationships I have developed with clients .

“Sometimes, I would have to head out to a farm two or three times per week, so I really got to know people and their animals.

“One of the most memorable occasions on the job was when I was delivering a calf by caesarean section.

“I had just delivered the calf, with the cow stood up, but she gave way and fell on top of me.

“I was lying there under about 600kg of weight and the farmer just laughed at me.

“I got back up and carried on with the operation and the next year she went on to have another calf.”

Mr Parkinson’s career was inspired by that of his father, a veterinary surgeon who also had a small holding.

He added: “I grew up surrounded by animals, so it was only natural that I should become a vet, too.

“The job came with its difficulties. It was always incredibly sad having to put someone’s dog down at the age of 12 or 13, after giving them their vaccinations as a puppy and getting to know them over the course of their life. I won’t miss the calls at 2am on cold, snowy days, either.”

Mr Parkinson is looking to the future. He volunteers one day a week at Stourhead and has taken up hedgelaying.

A picture by local artist Ian Marlow was presented to him by colleagues at a retirement dinner last week.

Neil Brimson, a partner in the business, said: “Guy has made a huge contribution to making the merger of the two practices, which now make up Garston, a success.

“He is a good man to have around and will be missed by lots of clients, who trusted his advice and professional approach.”

Amanda Fisher, the business development manager, said: “We are hopeful that we will keep links with Guy in the future.

“He is very well know in the area and is going to be missed by a lot of people.”