If your pets need pampering while you're away on holiday a new service in Colchester could help.

Pals4Pets has a range of animal lovers locally who can care for your pets in their homes.

Four-star care is offered by the service, where requirements in other areas have included dogs being given brandy before bed, sleeping in the master bed and having grace said before the evening meal.

Jo Jackson, of Speedwell Road, who has launched the local service, said: "Looking after a dog is rather like child minding. The only difference is that our guests are four-legged."

Daily records are kept so owners can see what their pets got up to, a cat-feeding service is available and smaller animals can be catered for.

Published Wednesday June 30, 2004