Pets at Home are hosting a series of free pet safety workshops for children in stores across the UK.

The 'My Pet Pals Activity Club' provides children with the opportunity to learn more about how to keep their pets safe this winter.

The workshops will give children hands-on experience of looking after small animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as advice on how to protect them from harsh weather.

They will also have the chance to learn about how reflective materials work and how to keep their cats and dogs visible during dark evenings with the help of fluorescent coats and collars.

Staff will be on hand to offer information on how to help pets and wildlife cope with Bonfire Night, and as well as completing quizzes and entering colouring competitions, all attendees will receive a certificate and a My Pet Pals promise card for their participation.

Mike Imm, a Pets at Home store manager, said: "As the nights draw in and the temperatures start to drop, just like us, many pets require extra special care to keep them safe and healthy. These workshops will not only be really helpful to children who want to learn about pets, but they’re also a fun and free way to spend half term.

“Pet welfare is extremely important to us at Pets at Home, so we want to equip children or, potential pet owners with as much knowledge as possible about responsible pet ownership.”