Betty & Butch, voted the UK's Pet Retailer of the Year in the annual PetQuip Awards, is to star in the Blue Peter Christmas Special. In the recently-filmed programme, the Blue Peter dog Iggy visits the Manchester shore with presenter Lindsey Russell where they meet Santa Paws.

Angel Moore, creative director at the store, had to keep news of the visit quite until the filming day and prepare the store for Santa Paws.

The storyline of the programme is that Iggy is shopping with Lindsey for presents at the Manchester Christmas markets. They can’t find that special present so decide to visit Betty & Butch where Santa Paws is giving out presents.

The Betty & Butch store had already been transformed for the festive season but putting on Santa on a Wednesday morning was a challenge, says Angel Moore. 

"The crew were lovely and made us all feel at ease," said Angel. "Iggy was a true star but like any puppy she had to have a sleep in Santa’s grotto after all the filming."

Duke, the store's dog, was awarded a Blue Peter badge, which he is now proudly wearing on his neckerchief.

The show will be broadcasted on Thursday, December 18, at 5.30pm.