A veterinary surgeon who spent two years transforming an antiquarian bookshop into a vets has finally opened his practice to the public.

New Zealander Allan Rapley lovingly restored the old Fisher and Sperr bookshop in Highgate High Street after moving in with his wife and family in March 2012.

It has now been transformed into village veterinary practice Highgate Vets, where Mr Rapley welcomes poorly pets of every species.

So far, he has treated one cat, one canary and dozens of dogs.

The 64-year-old father-of-five said: “It’s been a really positive experience.

“It’s taken a while to get there. You know how building works go, there are always delays, but we are all ready now.”

Mr Rapley and his wife Helen became well-known in the village for creating eye-catching window displays while renovation works were carried out.

In August 2012, the pair created an Olympic Games-themed display to coincide with the games in London, and every Hallowe’en a spooky facade helps to brighten up the village.

Although his renovations are completed, Mr Rapley has assured that the displays will not stop now that the clinic has opened its doors.

He said: “The window displays will continue in various guises. They might just be more animal-orientated, moving forward.”

The practice has a fully functioning theatre where a large range of procedures can be carried out.

It is currently open six days a week from 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday and from 9am to 12pm on Saturday.

For more information, visit highgatevet.co.uk.