Christopher Charlesworth, a local lad, has lived his entire life in the area apart from his five years at the Royal (Dick) Veterinary School, Edinburgh from where he qualified in 1973. After several years working in various local practices he set up on his own in Clay Cross, initially as a mixed practice but specialising in the late eighties as a small animal only practice. In his time away from the surgery he runs motor bike tours showing bikers the delights of Derbyshire and walks his pack of small dogs, all rescued over the years.

Sadly, Chris suffered a heart attack in the Autumn of 2008 and no longer sees patients, though he pops in regularly to say hello and offer words of wisdom.