Growing demand for pet grooming has spurred a businesswoman to take on a former Hertfordshire pet shop.

Sarah Allen, 45, has taken her pet grooming business out of her home and into Buntingford High Street, in the former Animal Attraction unit.

It all began after the Buntingford resident, whose business is named Sarah Allen Grooming, tried to book her King Charles spaniel in for some grooming, only to find there was a three-month waiting list.

Sarah said: “I have always loved animals and for a while I wanted to be a vet but didn’t think re-training for years at university would be a good idea.

“When I couldn’t get my dog a booking I thought, why not start my own dog grooming business?”

Having worked for years in marketing, Sarah said she was interested in doing something different which would get her out of office work.

She has been running the business from her home since January last year.

Sarah said: “Things really took off by September and since the start of the year I’ve been looking for a permanent place to set up shop."

If things go well, Sarah said she was planning to provide work experience and possibly an apprenticeship for youngsters in the town.