A LEADING North Yorkshire veterinary surgeon, who had to quit the profession after suffering a spinal injury in a road accident, has started a new career in law.

Madeleine Forsyth is set to become one of only a handful of vets who are qualified barristers and able to provide a service to the legal profession and the public on animal issues.

Ms Forsyth has returned to her home village of Ampleforth to set up VetLaw Ltd, after starting her career at the legendary 'James Herriot' practice in Thirsk, before moving to Helmsley in 1983.

It was 18 months ago that she suffered her injury when she was involved in a road accident at Sutton Bank which left her unable to carry out surgical operations. Now she has fought back and, with her barrister partner Stephen Lomas, has set up the new enterprise, based at The Old Post Office, Ampleforth.

She is currently doing a bar vocational course at Newcastle University and, when she qualifies, will be one of only 11 veterinary surgeons in the country who are also qualified as barristers, she says.

"I already act as a witness for such organisations as the RSPCA, DEFRA and the Meat Hygiene Service," said Ms Forsyth, a vet for 25 years and now a student member of the Inner Temple at the Bar Council.

"We assist wherever the law and livestock meet," she explained. "Our legal advice is focused by our intimate knowledge and experience of agriculture, rural pursuits, the equine industry, companion animals and the food industry.

"Businesses such as farms, livestock auctioneers, equine professionals and meat traders are today engulfed by an ocean of legislation."

Mr Lomax, her fellow director in the practice, is a farmer as well as a vet, being based at Wooler, in Northumberland, and he became a barrister last year.

Ms Forsyth can be contacted on (01439) 788222.

Updated: 14:26 Wednesday, June 04, 2003