A VET will be able to offer racehorse trainers a new service after receiving financial support from Business Link North and North Yorkshire.

Simon Stirk will open a surgery at Middleham's Equine Pool and Therapy Centre this month thanks to a grant from the county council, acquired with the help of Business Link advisor Margaret Shea.

The money helped cover a third of the cost of refurbishing and equipping the surgery.

Mr Stirk said: "We also have a surgery at Ripon but Middleham and the surrounding area is where the greatest concentration of our clients is located.

"Having a surgery at the equine centre also gives added value to the existing facility."