ANY time, anywhere. That's the boast of Vetcall, the only veterinary service in Waltham Forest that can send a vet out to your sick pet.

The service is based in Station Road, Chingford, and has been running for six years. It was the brainchild of veterinary surgeon Stephen Posnett, who runs the practice with his wife Elsa.

Mr and Mrs Posnett, of Loughton, emigrated in 1996 to London from South Africa for their love of British pubs and the weather.

Mr Posnett started the surgery on their arrival but found that many vets did not provide a 24-hour service.

Mrs Posnett said: "Stephen realised that clients could not find or contact their vet, many would not come out after a certain time, and others had just an answering machine message. Many clients would have no alternative but to rush to an animal hospital in the middle of the night."

As a vet, Mrs Posnett believes clients should have a 24-hour service and is disappointed that many vets do not provide it.

Although it is tiring when woken up at 3am, it is very satisfying work, says Mr Posnett.

The service covers North East London and parts of Essex, and is one of few in London.

Mr Posnett and his band of merry veterinary nurses have dealt with a number of cases on their 24-hour call-outs including dogs with twisted guts and horses injured in traffic accidents. As the service has increased, fellow South African Peter Briggs will help with the growing workload.

Vetcall can be contacted by ringing 07000 838 2255.