A veterinary practice in Cumbria has asked its clients to return unused antibiotics.

Paragon Veterinary Group is supporting a national campaign known as the 'Antibiotic Awareness Campaign', which runs throughout November.

The practice has encouraged people to return their unused antibiotics to stop the 'growing problem' of antibiotic resistance.

The vet practice has stated that they will dispose of these unused antibiotics safely.

They will not be resold.

Laura Binnie, small animal veterinary surgeon and sustainability lead at Paragon, said: "Antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria become resistant rendering antibiotics ineffective, poses a risk to all of us.

"The more bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the more they mutate and become resistant.

"That's why it's important that unused antibiotics are disposed of safely.

"We know clients often keep unused medication for later use.

"But sometimes they bin unused drugs or, worse still, flush them down the toilet where they enter the sewerage system and are discharged into rivers and the sea."

These actions contribute to antimicrobial resistance, evidenced best by those who participate in water sports.

Ms Binnie said: "Open-water swimmers and surfers demonstrate three times the rate of multidrug resistance than the general public.

"That should be a wake-up call.

"We need to stop this now."

As part of the campaign, Paragon Veterinary Group has set up secure collection bins at its surgeries in Dalston, Newbiggin near Penrith, Wetheral and Shap.

Ms Binnie said: "We want to create a culture where it becomes the norm for clients to return unused medicines.

"That way, we can all do our bit to combat antimicrobial resistance."

The November campaign is part of the One Health initiative, an 'integrated, unifying approach' that aims to 'sustainably balance and optimise' the health of people, animals, and ecosystems.

The antibiotic amnesty is a nationwide initiative that some NHS trusts, pharmacies and vet practices are taking part in.

Paragon is a veterinary practice that 'always strives' to act responsibly and protect the natural environment.

It aims to become carbon neutral by 2030 and has created wellbeing gardens at all its sites to encourage wildlife and boost biodiversity.