“TOP dog” when it comes to making sure our canine friends forever look their best.

That’s businesswoman Helen Linklater who has invested £20,000 in her second dog grooming parlour which has already created four new jobs.

And the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sharon Briggs, couldn’t resist giving a cuddle to a doggy friend she met as she officially opened the new Posh Pooches Dog Grooming Parlour in the town’s Bolton Road.

The borough’s “first citizen” was also asked to judge Posh Pooches’ latest dog of the month competition.

Helen’s new parlour offers a whole range of grooming services, even down to what is now termed as “creative grooming” whereby non-toxic dyes can add some extra “colour” to people’s pets.

The services also embraces creative hair extensions and the more traditional manicures, pedicures and polish, coat body colognes and perfumes as well as nail painting.

Running her own dog grooming parlours to pamper pets marks a significant change of career direction for 47-year-old Helen.

She used to work as an education social worker but was made redundant and was unemployed for some time.

“Because I always loved animals and the fact I used to breed cats and show them, I just thought dog grooming was something I’d like to go into.

“I got my diploma and four years ago I opened my first parlour at my house in Bright Street, Radcliffe. Because it was so successful, I had to turn people away.

She added: “Because of that, and also due to demand from customers, I decided to expand into Bury.

"I spent £20,000 in bringing the premises up to date. The fact that I’ve opened the second parlour in Bury is due to the loyalty of our clients and our commitment to them.

"Our success is down primarily to word of mouth and recommendations. I still have the parlour at my home but opening in Bury means I can cater for more customers.”

She said: “If the business continues to be a success, then I would consider franchising or even opening another shop.”