TRIBUTES have been paid to a veterinary surgeon who was found dead at the surgery he ran with his wife.

Garry William Stanway, 39, was discovered at Vets4Pets in Brook Lane, Newton, late on Tuesday evening. Police say there are “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding the death.

An ambulance was called to the premises about 11.25pm and police attended shortly afterwards. The surgery has remained closed ever since but is expected to reopen on Monday.

Garry and his wife Samantha, 37, who have two young children, of Bates Lane in Helsby, only opened the practice in February.

Amanda Brehon, 26, who works next door at McColl’s newsagents, burst into tears on hearing the sad news.

She said: “He was just such a lovely man and the business was doing so well. He was intelligent, you knew just talking to him and he saved my hamster. I used to take him to him once a week.”

Psychology graduate Amanda, of Brook Lane, added: “Samantha is lovely. They are both absolutely fantastic.”

She said veterinary nurses Kelly and Marian told her Garry and Samantha, also a qualified vet, were “the best people they had ever worked for”.

Peter Watson, managing director of the Vets4Pets chain, said in a statement: “We were informed on Wednesday morning of the extremely sad news that Garry Stanway, our joint venture partner for the Chester Vets4Pets practice, had been found dead.

“His family and his practice staff have all been made aware and they are being comforted and supported by family and friends.

“We are very shocked and saddened by this distressing news and our thoughts and feelings are with Samantha, his wife, his family and friends during this very personal and difficult time.”

Mr Watson said Garry was “a highly respected and regarded” veterinary surgeon who was passionate about animals and animal care.

“Vets4Pets is now doing everything it can to help Samantha and her family, as well as the practice staff during this very difficult time,” he added.

Mr Stanway’s family was too upset to comment. The Cheshire coroner has been informed and an inquest is expected to take place.