OLYMPIC ski jumper Eddie 'the eagle' Edwards drew the crowds to the opening of a new vets practice in Skipton.
Dalehead Vets celebrated 100 years of providing independent veterinary service in the Yorkshire Dales with a free open day at its new small animal practice at the Acorn Business Park, Keighley Road.
Eddie, who in 1988 became the first competitor to represent Great Britain in ski jumping at the Winter Olympics, got a warm welcome when he arrived at the new practice in Dalehead's vintage 1930s Morris Vet Van.
Eddie 'the eagle' Edwards had a tour of the new vets practice (Image: Dalehead)
The legendary Winter Olympian, whose career inspired a film, helped judge a fun dog show and posed for pictures with people and their dogs, including Maisie the Beagle.
A spokesperson for Dalehead said: "It’s been wonderful to finally open our new independent Skipton practice to local pet owners. As a longstanding local practice we really value the relationships we’ve been able to establish within the community.
"Our team have worked incredibly hard to make this a special day and I’m delighted to see so many turn out to celebrate with us.”
Eddie 'the eagle' Edwards had a tour of the new vets practice (Image: Dalehead)
Other activities on the day included practice tours of the new facilities with opportunities for people attending to try their hand at ultrasonography - also known as ultrasound - as well as first aid and surgery.
Several local animal charities attended and a raffle raised more than £200 for Dales Cat Rescue, The Freedom of Spirit Trust for Border Collies and the Upper Wharfedale Fell Rescue Association.
Dalehead is based in Settle, with branches in Bentham, Gisburn, and now also in Skipton.