Rabbit owners are being urged to take more care of their pets with free health checks on offer at vets in west Norfolk.

Rabbit Awareness Week, which runs from May 9 to 15, is a chance for owners to get them checked, and London Road vets in King's Lynn and the Hollies Clinic in Downham Market will be offering free rabbit health checks throughout the week.

Strider, the rabbit, has been attending London Road vets since his owners got him in 2011 at five weeks old.

He is a handsome Continental Giant who is a fully litter-trained house rabbit who sleeps on the sofa.

Strider has been attending the vets recently due to problems with his teeth.

He developed spurs on his back teeth which needed to be removed under general anaesthetic.

Strider's owner Debbie Fletcher said: 'Rabbits need to be looked after as much as cats and dogs do; they are a commitment and can't just be left in a hutch.

'I would recommend that owners get their rabbits vaccinated and checked at the vets every year.'

Alex Dallas, practice owner and senior vet at London Road, said: 'Rabbits are one of our favourite pets, but sadly sometimes one of the most neglected.

'Rabbit Awareness Week is a chance to get them checked and brought up to date with all of their health requirements'.

London Road vets can be contacted on 01553 773168 and the Hollies on 01366 386655.

Have you got a story about your pet in west Norfolk? Email david.bale2@archant.co.uk or louise.hepburn@archant.co.uk