THREE charity workers have together clocked up more than half a century in animal care.

Receptionist Julia Nichol, head nurse Stephanie Williams and veterinary nurse Liz Clark are celebrating 53 years service at Middlesbrough PDSA PetAid hospital.

Ms Nichol, who has notched up 22 years service, Ms Williams, 16 years, and Ms Clark, 15 years, started work at the former PDSA clinic in Borough Road, Middlesbrough.

They now work from the purpose-built PetAid hospital, in Acklam Road, which opened its doors in June.

The head nurse, Ms Williams, said: "No two days are ever the same, and we still never know what to expect when we arrive each morning.''

Ms Clark said: "Everyone at PDSA does a great job, and it's lovely to be part of a caring team that provides such a valuable service to the local community. We've got to know our clients really well, building up a strong rapport with them - and, of course, with their pets.''

Vets at the hospital provide nearly 23,000 free treatments annually, and undertake more than 1,000 surgical procedures, ranging from dental work to orthopaedic operations.

To receive free veterinary care for their sick or injured animals, pet owners should live in postcode areas TS1 to TS12, TS14 to TS29, DL1 to DL3 and DL5 to DL6 and receive housing benefit or council tax benefit.