Some of the top vets in the country will be visiting Mullion School today in a bid to inspire the next generation of new recruits.

The Royal Veterinary College (RVC) is coming to the school as part of a series of nationwide career events.

A college spokesman said recent outbreaks of foot and mouth disease and bird flu highlighted the need for more vets and veterinary scientists.

He added: "The RVC tour is a perfect opportunity for people who are looking to pursue a veterinary-related career to find out what it involves."

The event will give prospective students the chance to speak to specialist staff about the full range of undergraduate programmes available at the RVC, and discuss course application procedures and what grades are usually needed to study at the college.

People attending the event will also have the opportunity to take part in interactive demonstrations of skills such as bandaging and preparing for surgery.

Julia Hewett, education liaison officer at the RVC, said: "We held similar events around the country last year and they proved extremely popular. The chance to talk to staff and students from the college on an individual basis gave students a real idea about life in the veterinary world."