A SELFLESS vet and his team overcame ‘the Beast from the East’ to make sure they were able to tend to sick animals.

Owen Borthwick and colleagues at Kerr Vet Group have been praised for their efforts to treat pets across Renfrewshire.

Despite a red weather alert being in place, the determined staff managed to open their surgeries in Johnstone and Bridge of Weir, as well as hitting the roads in treacherous conditions to deliver medication for animals with serious conditions such as heart problems.

Owen, who lives in Kilmacolm, said: “We did what we had to do. Animals don’t have a schedule when it comes to being unwell.

“I would never have asked my staff to come in but some volunteered as they were determined to help.

“One staff member managed to ride a quad bike over the fields to make her way to the practice on Saturday.

“Meanwhile, another team member Natalie and our receptionist Vikky dug themselves out of Bishopton to come in on Friday and were able to drop off prescriptions after closing time.

“Cheryl was another receptionist who came up from Beith to help out.

“I would like to thank my staff members for their help in going above and beyond. I am fortunate to have a great team.”

There has also been praise for care home staff who braved the elements to make sure their patients were well looked after.

Two members of staff at Visiting Angelz walked from Erskine to Paisley in freezing temperatures to perform their duties.

Another staff member enlisted the help of a local man with a 4x4 vehicle to make sure they could do their rounds.

Angela Magee, owner of Visiting Angelz, said: “There were some truly vulnerable, lonely people who were being prioritised.

“Our on-call and co-ordinator staff were amazing and all communicating with each other to make things run as smoothly as possible.

“I’m truly thankful for all their hard work and effort.”