Cockburn Vets in Coalville has been named as the Best Vet in the UK for 2021.

The London Road-based practice took the top prize in the Best UK Vet Awards.

Cockburn Vets is an independent, family-run practice that was established by Bob Cockburn in the 1930s.

The vets cares for animals in the Coalville, Ashby, Shepshed, Market Bosworth and Markfield areas and offers its own on-site 24 hour emergency vet service run exclusively in-house.

The annual Best UK Vet awards event is in its ninth year and recognises the vet practices delivering the highest levels of service to customers.

The awards, organised by VetHelpDirect.com, are based on genuine pet owner reviews of veterinary practices around the United Kingdom.

Despite a challenging year for vets and pet owners, there were 14,299 vet reviews received, an increase of 22 per cent on the previous year – and the highest ever.

Those practices with the most four- and five-star reviews from their customers over the last year are recognised, and Cockburn Vets received the most positive reviews.

Diane Storer, owner at Cockburn commented: "It makes me so proud that in this very difficult year, which has been defined by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have had so many positive reviews from our clients.

"These are a testament to my team's hard work and dedication to the care and well-being of all our patients.

"To receive such overwhelming public support, particularly at a time when so many individuals, families and businesses are struggling is overwhelmingly positive and truly heart-warming and I would like to thank all our lovely clients and those who took the time to leave us a review.

"As a small, family-owned, independent, vets feedback is incredibly important to us and we are grateful for all their reviews."

Susie Samuel, CEO of VetHelpDirect.com commented: "Choosing the right vet is an important and difficult decision for a new pet owner.

"Vet practices are all very different with their own unique characteristics and it can be challenging to understand all those differences and find the best match.

"This is why hearing from existing clients via online reviews is so helpful; many of the reviews describe detailed stories of first-hand experiences which helps owners get a really good feel for the practice.

"Best UK Vets is a lovely opportunity to reward the practices that are at the top of their game."

Client feedback has included: "Faultless treatment of my pet from start to finish. Total trust and respect to this practice."

"Everyone at the practice has always been very friendly, caring and supportive"

"Over the years we have had a dog and several cats, we have always had Cockburn as our vet. They have always been good in every way and I would thoroughly recommend them'

The overall UK winning practice was Cockburn Vets; Silver was awarded to Millennium Veterinary Practice, in Braintree; and Bronze to Streatham Hill Veterinary Surgery, London.

Each of these practices also won a Top 25 award, plus Best in County.