A YORK based veterinary group has expanded to six practices with the acquisition of surgery led by a pioneering North Yorkshire vet.

The Minster Veterinary Practice in York has taken over Ashleigh Vet Clinic in Knaresborough, which has been owned and run by Ron Lowe for the past 18 years.

The merger will see 68-year-old Mr Lowe continue as lead vet at the practice, while also continuing his work with medical treatments and electrochemotherapy for small animals suffering from cancer.

Mr Lowe said: "I am at a stage in my career where I would like more time off with a view to retiring in a few years.

"Minster are expanding in the area and I approached them to see if they were interested in merging my surgery into their network of surgeries.

"From a client’s perspective, there will be very little change as their pets will continue to enjoy the best possible veterinary care, and I will lead and continue my work in oncology and electrochemotherapy."

Mr Lowe is one of only a few veterinary surgeons working in the field of electrochemotherapy, and accepts referral work from practices all over the UK.

The technique involves the use of a special probe to send an electric pulse to the tumour. The electric pulse changes the outer layer of the cancer cell and this makes it easier for the chemotherapy to get inside the cancer cell, but has little effect on normal cells.

Although Ashleigh Vet Clinic will retain its name and own identity, vets from The Minster Veterinary Practice will provide cover after Mr Lowe reduces his working week to four days.

The merger marks further expansion by Minster, which now has six small animal practices and a further three equine units.

Minster’s main veterinary hospital is at Salisbury Road, York, with other surgeries in Copmanthorpe, Haxby, Willow Grove and Crockey Hill, and a recently opened new branch at Tower Court Shopping Arcade in Clifton Moor.

The company also has three equine units at Upper Poppleton, Ripon and Malton, serving North Yorkshire’s equestrian and racing community.

Minster clinical director Tim Shearman said: "Ashleigh Vet Clinic is a well established practice with a lovely client base. We’re looking forward to working with Ron and welcoming clients into the surgery."