Doncaster is set for a jobs boost thanks to a £400,000 development creating a new pet shop.

Pets at Home is opening the new store at Thorne Road Retail Park on Friday September 20.

Taking over the premises formerly occupied by Suite Success, the new, 9,900 sq ft store has created seven new jobs for Doncaster residents.

Doncaster Central MP, Rosie Winterton, said: “The new Pets at Home store will be a welcome addition to Wheatley Hills, bringing much-needed jobs to the area and contributing to its retail landscape.”

Area manager Paul Doyle said: “There was a strong demand from local pet owners for Pets at Home to come to Thorne Road Retail Park, and we’re very pleased to have been able to grant them their wish.

“Pets at Home is committed to recruiting from the local area and I’m pleased we’ve found a team of talented individuals in Doncaster. They’re all extremely passionate about pets and can’t wait to get started.

Applicants go through a number of stages to assess their compatibility for the role. Those recruited are given the option to gain specialist qualifications in pet care during their career with Pets at Home.

Store manager Emma Baines, 28, who lives in Chesterfield, has been with Pets at Home for eight years, having previously worked at the Clay Cross and Chesterfield branches.

Emma said: “It’s been a busy few months and now myself and the team can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store.”

The company, founded in 1991, has more than 350 sites across the UK employing more than 6,000 people and is proud to have won The Sunday Times Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For 2013.