Plans to deal with strong odours from a pet food factory were given the green light by county councillors yesterday (Wednesday) despite objections from local residents.

Denbighshire's planning committee approved an application for a 35-metre chimney at The Real Pet Food factory, which would tower over the village of Bodelwyddan in North Wales.

The Real Pet Food Company will now be able to go ahead with construction of the chimney to deal with smells from the factory which had led to complaints.

The planning committee ignored opposition from the local community, who wrote a letter to the council stating: “Residents of Bodelwyddan should not be compelled to choose between being affected by an obnoxious smell or the visual impact of a 35-metre chimney to alleviate the problem."

But the company is confident the chimney – along with associated odour abatement equipment – will significantly boost the dispersal of baking odours associated with the manufacture of its pet food products which have been a cause of concern among some residents of Bodelwyddan.

The application was approved subject to various conditions regarding issues such as the final specification and colour of the chimney and full details of the landscaping works to be undertaken.

In addition, councillors also approved a separate application for a 660 sq metre two storey extension to the factory to increase office accommodation and meeting room space as well as improve employee welfare facilities.

James Lawson, managing director of The Real Petfood Company, said: “I am delighted that our plans to tackle the problems associated with the baking odours have been approved.  

“I do appreciate there has been strong local concern about this issue and we shall press ahead with the chimney’s construction as fast as possible.  We are committed to playing an important role in the Bodelwyddan community providing both jobs and economic benefits and I look forward to a positive relationship with our neighbours.”

The number of employees at The Real Petfood Company, which is a subsidiary of Inspired Pet Nutrition, has more than doubled from 30 to over 70 since the firm moved to its current site some two years ago and it is expected to reach 100 within the next few years. The business makes pet food for brands such as Wagg and Harringtons as well as a wide range of own label products for major retailers.

You can read a full account of the residents' objections to the plan on the Daily Post website by clicking here

Pictured above right at the factory in 2016, Graham Wheeler, founder of The Real Petfood Company, vowed earlier this year to find a long-term solution to eradicate odours from the building.

Leading online dog-sitting platform, DogBuddy.com, has today announced the winner of its nationwide Dog-friendly Pub Awards, as selected by the RSPCA, Snuffle Dog Beer, The Morning Advertiser, Your Dog Magazine and founder and CEO of DogBuddy, Richard Setterwall.

Now in their third year, the awards recognise the deserving pubs across the UK that truly embrace ‘paw power’ and welcome not just two, but four legged customers too.

Encouraging hound-lovers and pup parents up and down the UK to show some well-deserved appreciation of existing dog-friendly establishments, the Dog-friendly Pub Awards also promote dog-friendly values across all pubs nationwide, inspiring UK dog owners to discover and visit their local pubs.

Eilir and Charles Rogers from The Dog at Grundisburgh, in Suffolk were delighted with the news.

“We are very happy that so many other people think that we are as dog-friendly as we believe we are! We are incredibly touched by how many people voted for us.

"We have a lot of loyal customers who really support us; they wanted us to win as much as we did! It will also hopefully mean that more dog owners will know that there is a really dog-friendly place they can come where they will be made to feel very welcome by us, the staff and our regular customers.

"We see how happy people are when they are able to dine with their pooches. In our pub dogs are allowed to go anywhere their owners are allowed to go.

"There is nothing better than seeing people enjoying themselves whilst their dog has its nose in the doggie toy box or relaxing in front of the log burner. Happy dogs = happy owners.”

The Dog at Grundisburgh beat 11 other regional finalists – voted for by dog lovers across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales – in this year’s nation-wide Dog-friendly Pub Awards. The full list of regional winners for the awards is as follows:

1. The Dog at Grundisburgh (East of England)
2. The Royal Oak (West Midlands)
3. The Keel Row (North East)
4. Hand in Hand (London)
5. The Halzephron Inn (South West)
6. The Bryntirion Inn (Wales)
7. The Maltings (North West)
8. The Lion at Basford (East Midlands)
9. Admiral's Arm Micropub (South East)
10. O'Hares Lounge Bars (Northern Ireland)
11. The Weston Tavern (Scotland)
12. Last Post (Yorkshire)

Richard Setterwall, founder and CEO of DogBuddy, said: “For the third year running, DogBuddy – with the help of dog lovers up and down the country - has been searching for the best of the best when it comes to dog-friendly pubs, with The Dog at Grundisburgh, we’ve found just that.

"The superb service demonstrated shows a real consideration for dog welfare and happiness, which we at DogBuddy.com value above all. The whole DogBuddy pack is proud to congratulate The Dog at Grundisburgh on their achievement, and hopes that the Dog-friendly Pub Awards will inspire dog owners country-wide to discover and support their local pubs."

OATA has joined forces with Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Trading Standards team to provide new support and advice guidance for its members.

Three new guides have been produced for OATA members covering electrical goods, product safety and fair trading to help businesses show they are complying with the law and have done due diligence about the products they sell. 

If any OATA members are challenged by local authorities over any issues covered by the three guides then the new Primary Authority scheme can provide regulatory support, provided the businesses have followed the guidance.

Chief Executive Dominic Whitmee explained: “I’m delighted to be offering these three new Best Practice guides which are intended to help all OATA members by highlighting legal risks and the steps they need to take to avoid those risks.

“If they read the guides and follow the steps outlined in each they should ensure they are selling safe products and are trading fairly with their customers. The guides will prove particularly useful for any businesses which source products from aboard because all businesses need to show they have done ‘due diligence’ over any product or service they provide within their business.

“Ultimately, if they encounter problems they can demonstrate they have followed the advice in these guides. All Trading Standards departments have a graduated approach to enforcement and we would encourage our members to work closely with their local officers who can be a good source of helpful advice.”

The Product Safety and Electrical Goods guides will help retailers, wholesalers and importers who buy equipment from other companies (UK or abroad) and supply these to customers. The law expects businesses to use their professional judgment when choosing the products they sell to ensure they are safe and the OATA guide outlines the steps businesses need to follow to comply with the law.

The Fair Trading Guide will help all businesses and covers issues such as distance (online) selling, price displays and unfair trading practices.

To view the guides OATA members can log into the Members’ Area of the website. https://ornamentalfish.org/

A new survey has highlighted some bizarre ways that pet owners have tried to combat their dog's bad breath...

• Chewing gum, facial hair-cuts and brushing teeth with human toothpaste are just some of the bizarre ways owners are trying to combat their DOG’S bad breath, according to a study. 
• Giving dogs snacks that ‘improve’ their breath, fresh mint leaves to chew and keeping the toilet lid closed are other ways owners are freshening up their four-legged-friend. 
• The survey of 2,000 dog owners revealed over half believe their dog suffers from bad breath – and yet the same percentage think this whiffy affliction is normal for canines, when it can actually be a symptom of poor dental health.
• Dog owners have spent on average less than £100 on their dog’s dental hygiene since having them, indicating owners are underestimating the importance of dental health compared to other areas of physical condition. And owners are not making the connection between poor dental health and the implications it can have on their dog’s overall health. 
• Only a fifth of those polled would worry about dog breath being a sign of a serious health problem. 
• However, six in 10 owners admitted to having tried to combat their dog’s bad breath and over half have used a dental chew to do this.
  

Rodney Zasman, a leading London veterinary surgeon, said:  “A lot of dog owners aren’t aware of how important it is to look after their dog’s dental health. Poor care of dogs’ dental hygiene can result in implications such as dental plaque, gum disease, tooth abscesses and difficulty eating. Bacteria can spread from the teeth and gums causing damage to the kidneys, liver and the heart. Painful and extensive dental surgery and treatment may be needed to cure this.

“It is vital to increase owners’ knowledge of the importance of looking after their dog’s teeth and gums to ensure pets are as healthy and fit as possible.”

Other ways owners have tried to prevent dog breath include keeping the toilet lid firmly closed and giving them plenty of extra chew-toys to play with. While the nation’s dogs have been fed anything from cooked parsley, carrots, apples, mints and breath sprays in a bid to keep them fresh, worryingly, nearly a third of owners polled didn’t know how often they need to clean their dog’s teeth. 

The survey, commissioned by Lily’s Kitchen pet food via OnePoll.com to coincide with the launch of Woofbrush, their new natural dental chews, found that only one in 10 dog owners have ever taken their dog to the vet because of their bad breath. 

More owners thought dogs’ bad breath is associated with what their dog has eaten rather than a sign of poor dental hygiene.  Whilst many are familiar with the term ‘bed breath,’ dog owners said their pet’s breath is equally as bad in the evening as it is in the morning, showing that it is an on-going issue, and therefore requires similar daily care. Although dogs are known to be a man’s best friend, three in 10 owners admitted to avoiding going near their canine companion because of their terrible breath.

A more confident 40% however will let their dog lick their face regardless of how they smell. Under half of those dog owners who were polled said they take their dog for an annual dental inspection. Those owners who do care about their canine’s teeth believed that dental chews are an effective solution, with six in 10 using them to combat their dog’s breath.

Commenting on the survey findings, Henrietta Morrison, founder of Lily’s Kitchen said: “Keeping your dog’s teeth in really good condition is part and parcel of being a responsible pet owner. The best time to get your pet used to you brushing their teeth is from when they are puppies.  Dental disease is so avoidable and when it does happen it can be devastating for the entire health of your pet as bacteria from teeth spreads throughout the immune system, not to mention the added impact of terrible doggy breath.

“As with so many pet products, it’s very hard to work out what’s best for your pet. Almost all pet dental chews are made with nasty ingredients including sugar and chemicals. Which is why we’ve spent the last two years working with experts to make a dental chew that is highly effective at cleaning and also made with 100% healthy ingredients. That’s enough to put a Hollywoof smile on everyone’s face!” 

Lily’s Kitchen has launched Woofbrush, a dental chew for dogs made with only natural ingredients and no nasty preservatives or synthetic flavourings that you might find in some other dental chews. It provides a proper clean, wiping away plaque and freshening breath, as well as being delicious and gentle on dogs’ tummies.

TOP 20 WAYS OWNERS ARE COMBATTING DOG’S BREATH

1. Feeding a dental chew
2. Brushing their teeth with a special dog toothbrush and paste
3. Giving them snacks/treats that 'brush' their teeth/improve their breath
4. Giving them a rawhide bone to chew
5. Feeding them carrots
6. Giving them extra chew toys to remove plaque from teeth
7. Taking them to a vet
8. Brushing their teeth with a human toothbrush and paste
9. Feeding them apples
10. Giving them mints
11. Mixing fresh mint into their food
12. Feed a diet with no added sugar
13. Giving them fresh mint leaves to chew
14. Keeping the toilet lid closed to keep them out of it
15. Cutting down on their meat intake
16. Giving them a haircut - facial hair cut?
17. Taking them to a dog-dentist
18. Feeding them cooked parsley
19. Using breath sprays
20. Giving them chewing gum

The Pet Industry Federation has announced details of a second Chinese trade seminar it is holding exclusively for its manufacturer members who are considering trading with China.

Taking place ahead of the PIF Forum on Tuesday 27 November, at Whittlebury Hall, near Towcester, Northamptonshire, the seminar will provide an insight into a number of sectors that have the potential to succeed in the Chinese market as well as discussing some of the issues that UK companies need to understand before they can successfully launch their product into China.

Topics covered will include:

• Chinese pet market update - trends & opportunities
• Insight: Pet food (broken down into different pet food types)
• Insight: Pet supplies and grooming products
• Insight: pet medicines and supplements
• Trade mark and intellectual property issues
• Marketing strategies

This seminar is free for PIF members to attend, and will take place from 10.00am – 12.00pm in the Melbourne Suite.

Members interested in attending the event, should contact at Alexandra.baker@petfederation.co.uk or by telephoning 01234 273933. 

Burgess Pet Care is celebrating after its most successful year at the National Pet Show to date, following excellent feedback from attendees in response to its new ranges and a record-breaking number of sales which saw their new Excel Indoor Rabbit nuggets sell out on the first day.

Burgess Pet Care returned to the Birmingham NEC as the main sponsors of the Small Furries Village, an area of the show dedicated to rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and other small pets.

Staff engaged with crowds at their stand to educate them on the welfare needs of their pets, showing them how to make willow balls and the importance of encouraging natural foraging behaviour in their small furry friends.

Burgess Pet Care also had a fantastic response to their new Paul O’Grady’s dog food range, which was showcased alongside their full range of Burgess Excel products and featured a competition offering two lucky winners the chance to meet the popular celebrity. 

Charlotte Varley, Event Manager at Burgess Pet Care, said: “We attend the National Pet Show every year and this year’s show has been our biggest and best yet. It was great to receive such a warm reception to our Indoor Rabbit range and the fact that even the extra stock we brought sold out really shows the necessity of providing nutritional food that caters for the specific needs of rabbits living indoors.

“More importantly, pet shows such as these are an opportunity to engage directly with pet owners and provide them with the best information available to help them keep their pets healthy and happy. Having so many animal lovers in one place creates such a buzz and lovely atmosphere, it’s always a real pleasure to attend and play our part in the event’s success.”

Dr Suzanne Moyes, Veterinary Director at Burgess Pet Care, also presented a series of talks highlighting the welfare needs of small animals to help educate pet owners on some of the key issues and equip them with expert advice, hints and tips to provide the best care for their pets.

Suzanne’s talks included a guide to guinea pig ownership, top tips for keeping rabbits happy and healthy and how to encourage natural foraging behaviours in small animals.

Burgess Pet Care’s next show will be the London Vet Show on the 15th and 16th December and the company looks forward to announcing the theme of its 2019 Rabbit Awareness Week campaign.

Armitage Pet Care’s Good Boy Advent Calendar for Dogs is already proving very popular with pet owners this year, appearing in the top 10 bestselling Christmas products in a nationwide list.

The popular GTN Bestsellers Top 50 charts which track the top selling products in garden centres nationwide, using Epos data, had the dog calendar at No 8 in the Christmas Products list last week.

Trevor Pfeiffer, director of GTN and Bestseller analyst, said: “Advent calendars for pets are always very popular between now and December but to show up so high and so early is testament to the product’s on-going success.

“We all know that pet owners love to spoilt their animals and this is another example of dogs and cats becoming a cherished part of family life.

“I would urge all pet retailers to stock up on Christmas stocking fillers for dogs and cats this year. You could be on to a winner.”

For more information visit www.goodboy.co.uk

Cotswold RAW has launched a ‘3 birds in a bowl’ festive line in time for Christmas with the dog food containing rabbit, venison and duck.

As one might expect from the raw dog food providers, there was never any chance that the’ festive’ period would be allowed to come and go without the creation of a flavoursome seasonal special for dogs.

Cotswold RAW founder Mark Lewis said: "We work tirelessly at our rural operation to ensure that none of our meals could ever be deemed timid, mundane or one-dimensional. 

"The phenomenal success of our recent Wild line, featuring ‘species appropriate’ proteins, Rabbit, Venison and Duck was a timely reminder that from time to time, discerning dogs appreciate recipes of a more involving nature (depth of flavours and textures, the addition of non-farmyard fayre).  

"Needless to say a three meat treat ensures that any resulting recipe is brimming with beneficial proteins, nutrients and essential amino acids."

Available from November 22 while stocks last.

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American retailing giant Petco has announced it will stop selling pet food and treats containing artificial colours, flavours and preservatives. After May 2019 customers will no longer find brands containing such ingredients on their shelves. More than 40 artificial ingredients are on its banned list.

The private San Diego-based company is rated No 100 in Forbes’ America’s Largest Private Company list with $4.2 billion in annual sales and operates 1,500 store locations in the U.S., Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Explaining the decision, which the company says could impact more than $100 million in annual sales, Petco said in a statement, “The move makes Petco the first national pet specialty retailer to take a stand against such ingredients, reaffirming the company’s commitment to being the lifelong, trusted partner – for pets and pet parents alike.”

While Petco expects to take a hit to the bottom line in the short term, its decision to stop carrying and selling such products is critical to the company’s broader mission.

“Throughout our 50-year history, what is best for the pet has been best for our business,” Ron Coughlin, Petco’s CEO, told Forbes magazine.

“We believe that by being a trusted advisor we can help our customers and lead them to healthier choices. We believe we can and should do it. Job number one is doing right by the pets and we believe the business will follow.”

The full Forbes story can be found on its website by clicking here

Oscar & Hooch has launched the Daisy Range dog collars and leads. An important story lies behind this new range which commemorates a very special Labrador called Daisy.

Daisy was instrumental in helping Medical Detection Dogs CEO Claire Guest start a journey of discovery when Daisy warned Claire of her breast cancer. Ultimately Daisy saved Claire’s life and has contributed to many others through her work for Medical Detection Dogs.

Sadly Daisy passed away earlier this year, the Daisy range will continue to honour her memory as well as remind people of the important work Medical Detection Dogs are performing daily.

10% of sales will be donated to Medical Detection Dogs to help continue the amazing work Daisy helped start.

The range is available in four stylish colours in a durable waterproof fabric, all handmade in Somerset.

Claire Guest CEO Medical Detection Dogs, said:  "I was incredibly touched to hear that Oscar and Hooch have chosen to remember my beloved Daisy in this way. Daisy was inspirational in teaching the charity about the ability of dogs to detect cancer and had a special gentleness that radiated to all in her company. Personally,  Daisy was my life saver and soulmate. I miss her terribly but am comforted to know that her legacy and memory lives on in this way.

Paul Steckler Founder Oscar & Hooch, said: “All of us at Oscar & Hooch are huge dog lovers and the loss of any dog is always extremely painful. We are immensely proud to support the memory of such an inspirational dog and I am personally honoured to have met Daisy on several occasions over the years.”

About Medical Detection Dogs:

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to detect the odour of human disease. It is at the forefront of the research into the fight against disease and helping people with life-threatening conditions.

Johnston & Jeff is launching a new range of bird tables. The first to be released is a set of four tables each of which comes in a box.

Designed to be easy for all forms of retail, easy for all types of delivery, and easy for consumers to take home, each table comes in five neatly packed pieces – including the fully built table head – with all necessary accessories included.

The box itself is robust [triple-wall] with carry handles.

What’s more, 20 boxes fit on a single standard pallet.

As with all Johnston & Jeff wood products, these are designed and made by the company’s team of joiners, in the JJ Woodshop. So the quality is superb – strongly built, and precision engineered.

Table height is 1.5m [5ft]

Two of the tables have timber roofs – the Kelburn and the Pembridge; two have slate roofs – the Lyddington and the Dartington

For all details and any additional pictures needed, contact Chris Grange.

Tel: 01430 449444.  Email chrisg@johnstonandjeff.co.uk

Two of Britain’s top equestrians are set to appear as special guests at BETA International 2019. Eventing world champion Ros Canter (above) and Paralympic multiple-gold medallist Sophie Christiansen will be talking about their amazing successes at The Charles Owen Spotlight on Monday 21 January.

Ros arrives fresh from her triumph at the 2018 World Equestrian Games, in Tryon, North Carolina, where she and Allstar B won both individual and team gold medals. Last year, she competed at the European Championships, in Strzegom, Poland, finishing fifth and winning team gold.

Sophie (right) is back at BETA International by popular demand following her appearance at the 2018 show. The para-dressage rider, who started riding at the age of six and was made a CBE in the 2017 New Year Honours List, has won eight gold medals – five individual and three team – in three consecutive Paralympic Games.

“We feel so privileged to have two female riders currently at the top of their game taking their place in The Charles Owen Spotlight at the trade fair,” said BETA International organiser Claire Thomas. “Sophie proved to be a real inspiration to all those who heard her at the 2018 show and Ros is one of the eventing world’s bright new stars.”

BETA International is the leading trade fair for equestrian, country clothing, outdoor and pet products. The 2019 show takes place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 20 to 22 January.

Entry is strictly trade only, with free registration at www.beta-int.com/visit. For further information about the show contact Clair Webster, telephone +44 (0)1937 582111, email clairw@beta-int.com.

Vital Pet Products is restructuring following a review of its business, and Director Sunny Sharma has given his personal reassurance there will be no redundancies as a direct result of the change. He also said there should be no disruption to supply for customers.

It had been the intention of the Directors to consolidate Vital Pet Products and L. Batley Pet Products, which have continued to operate as individual units within Vital. The new business will be called the Vital Pet Group and its registered office will be in Sheffield.

Vital has contacted its suppliers to let them know they were transitioning purchases from Vital Pet Products to L. Batley with a view to bringing the consolidated business under the Vital Pet Group banner.

To complete this restructure the Vital Pet Products part of the business will be divested and cease to trade from purchasing or sales functions. The company will go forwards as Vital Pet Group.

Sunny Sharma (left) has been reassuring stakeholders that this is not an indication that the Vital Pet Group is insolvent.

“The Vital Pet Group will continue to benefit from significant and ongoing investment and will be stronger as a result of this change,” he said.

The company has already benefited from £1.45 million of investment in the last 18 months.

He explained that there was no alternative to making this change. “In recent months information was unearthed that was not disclosed to the Directors when the company was purchased.

"There were undisclosed liabilities that extended beyond the core wholesale business and agreements that had the potential to turn Vital into a toxic company and could have eventually caused it to collapse.

"Having exhausted all other options, bringing forward the formation of the new company was the only solution.”

He continued: “It’s such a pity that we have had to yet again cope with another historical hurdle when the last six months have seen an increase in trading performance as a result of the changes we have made.

"The restructure allows the new Vital Pet Group to move forwards with a clean break and without potentially damaging liabilities in the background.”

Vital Pet Group now intends to proceed full steam ahead with future plans and Sunny has confirmed that the core company is in great shape and well positioned for growth.

A pet shop owner in Greater Manchester has vowed to stay open despite an online campaign calling for its closure on animal welfare grounds.

Radcliffe Pets Ltd was visited by Bury Council officers, who carried out an inspection of the premises and found the store to be compliant under the terms of its licence.

Local newspaper, the Radcliffe Times, reported that a visit was undertaken by the RSPCA following a referral by Greater Manchester Police and again no issues were found.

Owner Jonathan Beetson is quoted as saying: “My shop is not closing. It is open for business.”

A petition to ‘Close Radcliffe Pets’ has been signed by more than 88,000 people. Hundreds of comments have also been shared on social media, with allegations made about the treatment of animals.

The full report can be read by clicking here

PATS Sandown is set to be a must-visit event for pet retailers and buyers as the industry’s leading companies show their commitment to the exhibition on 10^th and 11^th February 2019.

Bookings for the Sandown Park showpiece in Surrey are impressive, and previous exhibitors Anco, Beaphar UK, Danish Design, Dorwest Herbs, flexi, IPN, Johnson’s Veterinary Products,  Kong, Marriages, Natures Menu, Petlife International, Pet Munchies, Royal Canin, Sky Pet Products, Symply Pet Foods and Trixie have already committed to the event. For a full list see the PATS website www.patshow.co.uk.

“We are really excited about next year’s PATS Sandown as it will be the first time we have staged the exhibition on a Sunday and Monday in February,” said organiser Gordon Thomas.

“The new show dates will allow exhibitors to launch products to the trade earlier in the year, giving retailers the chance to stock them in time for major consumer events like Crufts.

“This is just one of our exciting initiatives to continually refresh PATS, and it’s great to know that the pet industry continues to get right behind the UK’s number one pet retail show brand.”

PATS regular Danish Design admitted it was really looking forward to the all the opportunities provided by the show. Rob Newsome, director of sales and operations, said: “The Telford exhibition in September was a great success for meeting customers, existing and new. Now we are extremely excited to be launching a brand new range, all made in the UK, at Sandown.”

It’s a similar story for Petlife International, whose sales and marketing director, James Hancock, said: “Following a successful PATS show in Telford, we are already planning our presence at the Sandown show in February 2019. It really is an integral event in our calendar and provides us with a unique opportunity to meet with retailers, wholesalers and distributors of all sizes.”

Another company excited about PATS Sandown is Pet Trade Innovations. The company’s Steve Driver said: “It’s the best place to show off our ever expanding ranges and great new products. We made some excellent new contacts at PATS Telford and we’ve seen our business grow considerably since, so we are looking forward to seeing what the Sandown show has in store.”

Emma Trevett, of Dorwest Herbs, commented:  “Being a small company we can’t always get to visit all of our UK customers, so PATS is a great opportunity to meet current clients and obtain new ones.”

One of PATS Sandown’s most popular features is the New Product Showcase, which continues to grow in size. Because of its importance the Showcase will again take pride of place in Surrey Hall’s Brasserie Bar in 2019.

All entries in the Showcase, sponsored by pbwnews, will be judged by a panel of pet retailers for the New Product Awards on the first morning of the show.

Sky Pet Products is one company that knows the importance of winning a New Product Award, having won the Bird Product category at Sandown in the past. Lee Gardiner said: “We were delighted to have our products recognised by the industry. PATS is a great environment to see an award celebrated. The accolade has helped to ensure we are seen at the top of our sector with award winning products.”

There will also be a series of free seminars during both days of the show, and the free-to-attend talks will cover a wide range of topics.

To help make the visitor experience even more enjoyable and rewarding, both the Surrey and Esher Halls have their own entrances and registration points, with visitors benefitting from free show entry, free parking, free catalogue and many special offers.

With three months to go before PATS Sandown, registration for entry is now open. Full details can be found at www.patshow.co.uk

Birds, reptiles and lizards were killed in the blaze at Isle of Wight Pet Centre in Newport.

Firefighters from across the island were called to the shop in Watergate Road shortly after 23:00 GMT on Monday. The fire was out by 00:45.

The blaze began in the shop area on the ground floor of the building and an investigation into the cause is under way.

According to the shop's website, it has been trading for more than 17 years and has a breeding programme of snakes and lizards.

It also stocks birds and other small pets, including rabbits, hamsters and chinchillas.