CHILDREN put their artistic talents to the test as part of celebrations for the third birthday of Northwich Vets.

The youngsters were invited to design this year’s Christmas card for the practice, which is based in Manchester Road, Lostock Gralam.

The design challenge was part of an open day at the family-run vets to mark its third anniversary.

Visitors were invited to take a look behind the scenes, to try their hands at veterinary skills and to meet some of the more unusual pets the practice treats, including African Pygmy Hedgehogs, Tenrecs, a tortoise, ferret, bantam chickens and an axolotyl.

Sue Allen of Muddy Paws Grooming Salon in Wincham gave a grooming demonstration, and practice owner Patrick Murphy thanked clients old and new for their support before cutting the birthday cake.