A group of veterinary hopefuls training in Camden have become the stars of a new BBC Two programme showcasing the world of ‘animal doctors’.

Young Vets, which had its first episode broadcast yesterday, tracks the progress of 10 students at the Royal Veterinary College in Royal College Street, Somers Town, as they train to become fully qualified vets.

Visits to practices, farms and state-of-the-art animal hospitals see the team treat various diseases and injuries, including helping a dog with a broken back walk again, performing sheep caesareans, treating a horse with sinusitis and even giving a Shar Pei dog a facelift.

Mature student Judy Puddifoot said: “You know when I was at school I told my careers advisor that I wanted to be a vet and unfortunately, he said ‘You know, you’re not going to be a vet Judy. You’re not clever enough really.’

“That kind of negative feeling stayed with me for a long time thinking I can’t do it, there’s no point I won’t even try. ]

“Then eventually you think I’m just going to try, I’m just going to shoot for the stars, see what happens, see if I can get there. And I did, and hence why I’m doing it now.”

If they qualify, the group will be responsible for some of the 27million pets and 900million farm animals living in the UK.

Young Vets will be broadcast at 7pm on week nights for the next three weeks.