I was delighted and honoured to be asked to become Patron of The Langford Trust for Animal Health and Welfare earlier this year, and it gave me great pleasure to accept. As an animal owner myself, I had heard a great deal about the Trust and wanted to help highlight and promote their invaluable work for animal welfare.

The Langford Trust supports the work of the University of Bristol Veterinary School by promoting the practice, advancement and teaching of veterinary science towards achieving the highest educational standards for vets and veterinary nurses; this, in turn, gives us first-class diagnosis and treatment of sick and injured animals.

The Trust's mission is guided by the experienced research groups based at Langford, whose work informs both teaching and treatment and makes the Veterinary School a true centre of excellence.

The Langford Trust for Animal Health and Welfare is indebted to its many supporters, with whose sustained commitment it can continue to improve the health and welfare of animals both in this country and abroad