On April 4th 2002 Petplan, the UK’s largest animal insurance provider, will be at the British Small Animal Veterinary Association Congress in Birmingham to host the third annual Petplan Veterinary Awards, the profession’s equivalent of the Oscars.

Barry Cryer, the legendary comedian who is famous for writing classic tv shows such as The Two Ronnies and the Kenny Everett Show, will host the ceremony. He has also appeared on many celebrity games shows including Blankety Blank & Give Us A Clue.

After the success of this glittering black tie event in 2001, Petplan want your help to make the 2002 awards grow bigger and better as more and more people tell us tales of outstanding work in veterinary practices.

Veterinary surgeries from all over the country have been mailed with nomination forms for staff and clients to vote. Hundreds of nominations have been received so far for the four categories which are:

• Vet Of The Year

• Veterinary Nurse Of The Year

• Veterinary Receptionist Of The Year

• Veterinary Practice Of The Year

Highly regarded and prominent members of the veterinary community will carry out the difficult task of judging all the entries.

The winner of each category will receive a specially commissioned Petplan Veterinary Awards Trophy and Certificate along with £1000 in Virgin vouchers to use on holidays, music, travel or anything else they want to spoil themselves with.

So, whether it’s the team as a whole or an individual’s outstanding commitment, write into Petplan with your nomination and you also could be in with a chance of wining £250 in Virgin Vouchers if your nominee is picked.

Also, for every nomination received, Petplan will donate £1 to Petsavers, the charity of the veterinary profession. Last year a grand total of £1800 was presented to the charity to help fund clinical studies into illnesses and injuries that commonly affect our pets.

Eastcott Veterinary Clinic won the Veterinary Practice Of The Year award in 2001. Peter Southerden, who is one of the partners at the practice, said after winning the award, ‘I was in shock. It is very gratifying to win this award. The best thing about it is that we had lots of nominations from our customers. I think we were successful because we place great emphasis on providing a personal service. A good bedside manner is vital’.

To request a nomination form call Lisa Huxley on 0208 580 8145 or e-mail vetawards@petplan.co.uk.

Alternatively you can download the nomination form from the website at www.petplan.co.uk/vetwards.

Please note the closing date for nominations is Friday 22nd February 2002.