DESPITE being nominated five times in four different categories, staff at a Cirencester veterinary clinic walked away empty handed from this year’s prestigious Pet Oscars.

Vets and nurses at the Sidings Veterinary Surgery in Sheep Street had their fingers crossed that they would bring some silverware back from the annual Petplan Awards, known as the Oscars of the veterinary profession, which took place this week.

Patrick Harte, small animal clinic director at the surgery, told the Standard that they were “surprised, but not hugely disappointed” to not have won an award.

“The chance of making it onto the short list is very slim but I am pleased that we got so many nominations,” he said.

“I think that it was exceptional that we were nominated so many times across so many different categories.”

The surgery was up for the Practice of the Year gong, while two of its vets competed against each other in the Vet of the Year category.

Other nominated bestowed on the surgery were for Practice of the Year and Support Staff of the Year.

Patrick said: “Most of the people that come here are anxious about their animal so we are just going to carry on offering the same level of service as we always have done.”

A spokesman for Petplan said: “These awards provide an opportunity for people to recognise the hard work and dedication of veterinary staff and provide a great opportunity for pet owners to say thank you.”

The winners were announced at a ceremony held at the NEC in Birmingham on Thursday, April 3. For the full list of winners, visit www.petplan.co.uk