A NEW state-of-the-art equine centre costing £4.9million is being planned for Langford. The centre will improve training of veterinary nurses, operating procedures and medical treatment for horses and large farm animals but £2.5million still needs to be r

A NEW state-of-the-art equine centre costing £4.9million is being planned for Langford.The centre will improve training of veterinary nurses, operating procedures and medical treatment for horses and large farm animals but £2.5million still needs to be raised to fund the project.The Langford Trust for Animal Health and Welfare, which supports the Bristol Veterinary School, has joined forces with Bristol University to help pay for the new facilities. The university has donated £2.4million to the project.It is hoped the new equine centre will be built in Spring 2008 and next year staff are hoping to raise the remaining cash through charitable trusts, donations and by hosting events.The new facilities will improve training for veterinary undergraduates and postgraduates, have areas for surgical procedures, orthopaedics and soft tissue surgery.Since the current operating room was built at the Langford House School of Veterinary Science in 1954, surgery has become much more advanced with a greater number of animals requiring surgery such as sheep, pigs and llamas. The centre began with 22 students but now has around 122 nurses.The school's fund-raising manager, Elizabeth Coombs, said: "We have four top class equine surgeons with European diplomas. There are only around 13 in the country who have these qualifications and with this centre we can provide the best possible treatment to match our quality of staff."The trust, which aims to relieve animal suffering and was founded in 1990, has also welcomed Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, as its new patron.Elizabeth added: "We are absolutely thrilled. Camilla is very fond of all animals and she is very supportive of our trust. She is a very charming person and is looking forward to being an active patron for us.