A Widnes-based business specialising in exotic pets has secured funding from Merseyside Special Investment Fund (MSIF).

North West Pets and Exotics has received a £30,000 loan, using a combination of finance from the Start Up Loans Fund and Regional Growth Fund, which has been used to help with start-up costs including fitting out the store and taking on staff.

The store sells a variety of creatures including snakes, lizards, scorpions and spiders as well as tanks, food and other associated products.

Barry Jones, founder of North West Pets and Exotics, said: "I breed a lot of the animals myself so I can provide assurance on their quality. It is also an important part of eliminating the black market for them.

"As well as providing animals for pets, we are also looking to branch out into providing displays for hotels and other businesses."

MSIF was set up in 1996 and provides funding of up to £2m to smaller businesses in the Merseyside area.