A POPULAR vet has decided to retire – and leaves with the thanks and endorsements of many of his customers ringing in his ears.

John Wakefield, a director at St Peter’s Vets in St Peters Road, will continue work one day a week for a while.

Staff at St Peter’s Vets wished him “a very happy and healthy retirement – you certainly deserve it”... and then asked customers to add their own tributes on social media.

And they were flooded with comments.

Among them was praise from:

Karin Fitzpatrick: Congratulations on your retirement John, with thanks for all you have done over the years for our family pets.

Jo Vine: He was lovely when he came to our house early one morning to help our beloved Dillon across rainbow bridge. Grateful for that.

Helen Potter: A massive thank you to you John, a truly great vet who has cared for my pets over the years. Enjoy your retirement, you will be missed by all.

Carole Vergette: Thank you so much, John, for all your hard work and dedication over the years and for helping us to make the hardest choice with our little elderly terrier.

Jo Budden: We wish you all the very best in your retirement John and will miss you – you have been a family-friendly vet for all of us Buddens for years.

Sue Blunden: Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

Paul Tarling: John, you are by far the best vet I have ever met. When you came to our house to put our poor Taz to sleep you couldn’t have been more compassionate – I even noticed you had welled up. To have that much love for the animals is a very special trait. We will be extremely sad to see you retire but good things don’t go on forever!

Amanda Brewer: You will be missed. Thank you for your kindness to my parents when caring for their beloved dog in her final minutes. You made this so much easier for them. So kind.

Jane Allen: Without a doubt one of the loveliest people I know. I have had ten different cats over the years – we have three now – and I have always gone to St Peter’s Vets and asked