Tributes have been paid to the founder of a popular pet shop, who sadly passed away at the age of 73.

Norwich-born Lorna Raven opened Fido's Pet Bazaar with husband Alan in 1977 and ran the business for 43 years before they both retired in December of 2020.

The shop was first located in Meadow Way in Hellesdon before moving to Dixons Shopping Centre in Reepham Road in 1984.

They sold Fido’s to Alison and Adrian Pettitt of Pettitt and Boo, who posted on the shop’s Facebook page: “We are devastated to hear the very sad news of the passing of Lorna Raven. Lorna and her husband Alan, ran Fidos for 43 years until December 2020, when they retired. Lorna remained a ‘regular’ in the shop though, often popping in to see the team and drop off newspapers for Cheryl’s Guinea Pigs. We send our deepest condolences to Alan and the Raven family.”

Customers were quick to pay tribute to Lorna:

• “That is so sad to read, such a friendly helpful lady over the years that I went in, and only just retired.”
• “She was a lovely lady and always so helpful all the years we went into Fido’s.”
• “Such a lovely lady always very helpful, sending our condolences to all the family at this very sad time.”
• “So sad to hear this news Lorna was always such a supporter of the city of Norwich rabbit and cavy club she will be greatly missed and my thoughts are with her family at this sad time.”
• “Sorry to hear that Lorna is no longer with us. We met though our interest in guinea pigs.”

Alison Pettitt told Pet Trade Xtra: “Lorna was a highly regarded member of the community in Hellesdon, and we are so shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. She was known as a passionate and knowledgeable animal lover, often relied upon in the community for pet-care advice.

"We have arranged a collection at the Hellesdon store so that customers of Fidos can contribute to a charitable donation to Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Lorna’s name.”

A funeral service to celebrate Lorna's life will be held at St Marys Church in Low Road, Hellesdon on Wednesday, May 18 at 2pm, followed by her committal in the church grounds.

Picture of Lorna above is taken from Fido's Facebook page.