The patter of tiny feet will become the clatter of small paws when a former children's nursery becomes a new veterinary practice for Penryn.

Matt Thomas of Cornish Paws Veterinary Practice has been granted a change of use for the Flying Start Nursery building based in Penryn Rugby Club's Memorial Ground, in Kernick Road, to become a veterinary surgery.

The nursery is no longer based there and the building is not currently used.

Matt and his family are now busy converting the building into a functioning vets practice with all the necessary equipment, ready to open in August.

It will focus on small animals and pets only and will be a true family business, with Matt's wife Samantha taking on the role of nurse and practice manager, and his mother-in-law working on reception.

Matt said: "We're a local, independent, family-run practice.

"We've been trying for a couple of years to find the right place and get it together to make it happen."

The new business will hold an open weekend on August 10 and 11 to mark its launch, at which people can look around the facilities and receive a free health check for their pet. There will also be charity stalls.

As well as being principal vet, Matt, who graduated as a veterinary surgeon in 2007 and has lived and worked in Cornwall ever since, will also be on call for out-of-hours emergencies.

He added: "On my first day in my new job I re-homed Timber, a very nervous border collie. Many pets followed, but it was Timber who first taught me how best to care for nervous patients, a topic that I will always be passionate about.

"Now with the support of my vet nurse wife, and our young family, we are very excited to open our own small animal veterinary practice.”