A NEW pet shop is opening in Prestwich next week, creating 13 jobs for local people.

The new Pets at Home store has hired to people from the Prestwich area, including the new grooming positions, after receiving more than 500 applications.

Pet lovers in Prestwich will see a groom room open inside the new 6,000 square foot store, located at 474 to 504 Bury New Road, next to Marks & Spencer, on the former site of Carpet Right.

Area manager, Anthony Horner, said: "There was a strong demand from Prestwich pet owners for Pets at Home to come to town, 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 Prestwich. They're all extremely passionate about pets and can't wait to get started."

Applicants recruited will be given the option to gain specialist qualifications in pet care during their career with Pets at Home.

All colleagues at the new store receive extensive training on pet care and pet knowledge which is endorsed by City & Guilds, providing a stamp of approval that demonstrates the value of its training.

Store manager Adam Wolstenholme has been with Pets at Home for 13 years, having previously worked at the Walkden branch.

He said: "It's been a busy few months and now my team and I can't wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store."

Pets at Home Prestwich will provide thousands of dedicated pet products, catering for local dogs, cats, small animals, chickens, reptiles, birds and fish as well as wildlife.

The company, founded in 1991, has more than 415 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.