A new pet store, which puts sustainability at the forefront of its business, has launched a ‘pet food amnesty’ with customers in a bid to help local food banks.

Chester & Ralphie’s, which opened in Norwich earlier this year, is asking customers and the wider local community to donate any unwanted, opened or unopened pet food so that it can be redistributed to the food banks.

Owners Amy Beevers and Jonny Bingham said: “We hope our initiative will ensure that unwanted pet food doesn’t go to waste, and that those in need of it most get the help they and their furry companions deserve.

“We all have pets that can suddenly decide to be fussy and turn their noses up at their food, we just don’t want that food going to waste.”

Chester & Ralphie’s launched the ‘pet food amnesty’ on its Instagram page with the message: “Got any extra pet food that your furry friend simply won’t touch? We’ve got a heart-warming solution.”

Owners can take their donations to the pet store or can have it collected.

Amy and Jonny worked in the hospitality sector before opening the new store in the Golden Triangle of Norwich.

“We had been planning the store for the last couple of years,” said Jonny. “We just wanted to wait for the right location to come available. Unthank Road is the perfect area for the business – the local community really seem to share our ethos around all things pet related.”

Amy and Jonny, who named the store after their two Cocker Spaniels, have been pleased with the response from customers so far. “It has been great, really positive.”

CLICK HERE to view the 'pet food amnesty' on Instagram