Photocall

WHAT: The nation's oldest charity animal hospital steps back in time to celebrate its centenary

WHEN: Between 10am and 11am, Monday 15 May 2006

WHERE: The Blue Cross animal hospital, 5 Hugh Street, Victoria SW1V 1QG

Staff will be swapping their scrubs for starched-collars next week to celebrate the centenary of the country's oldest charitable animal hospital.

From veterinary nurses in Edwardian uniforms to a 1900's clinic complete with contemporary equipment, the day's events will offer hospital clients a fascinating contrast to the cutting edge facilities of The Blue Cross animal hospital's present-day hospital and staff.

Staff at The Blue Cross animal hospital in Victoria have been on site serving the city's pets and their owners - since its foundation in 1906.

Over the past 100 years, the animal hospital and its staff have developed to meet the capital's changing animal welfare needs and was originally opened to treat the working horses that were a common sight on London's streets at the turn of the last century. Today the hospital cares for the pets of a diverse mix of owners who can not afford private veterinary fees and provides a number of outreach services including a mobile clinic and community nurses scheme.

Media contact: Sam Roberts
Direct line: 0207 932 4065
Mobile: 07917 132 698

Notes to editors
For interviews with staff or clients, please contact 020 7932 4060.

To receive historical or contemporary photographs of the Blue Cross Victoria animal hospital, contact 020 7932 4060. Photographs of the centenary celebrations will also be available after the event.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.