WEST Somerset resident Peter Darke has been given a top lifetime achievement award for his services to veterinary science, the first time the honour has been given to a non-American.

Dr Peter Darke, who grew up in Minehead and retired to Bicknoller, was presented with an honorary diploma by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in Denver, Colorado.

He graduated as a vet from Bristol University and gained a PhD in veterinary cardiology.

He spent a few years in a private veterinary practice before returning to teach clinical medicine at Langford veterinary school near Bristol.

He then moved to Edinburgh University to take charge of veterinary clinics and to develop veterinary cardiology, a role he pursued until his retirement.