A CRECHE with a difference is proving a big hit with Whitefield residents.

Animal-loving businessman Leslie Pearce had so much success with his dog-grooming shop in Prestwich he moved to a bigger unit a few miles away.

With the help of the business's supervisor Shelley Ireland, Mr Pearce transformed the unit on the Moss Lane Industrial Estate in Egremont Close.

However, he had to overcome a planning hurdle last week after he originally opened the unit without Bury Council's permission.

Mr Pearce had to apply for retrospective permission to keep it open, and a neighbouring business claimed the dogs made too much noise, while four customers wrote to the council in support of the business.

Members of Bury planning committee backed a council report which said that noise was typical of an industrial estate and it granted permission for the business to stay open.

Called Growling Groomers Doggy Day Care, owners pay for their dogs to be looked after all day where they are treated to walks, shampoo baths and manicures.

According to Mrs Ireland, who was offered a job at the centre after taking her own Staffordshire cross rottweiler Alfie there, some customers take their dogs in to be pampered while they go to work.

"They want to tend for their dogs' emotional welfare, so we are just what they are looking for,” said Mrs Ireland.

"Some dogs just come in for the day but many are regulars and they love it here.

"A lot of puppies come in and it's great for them because they get to socialise with other dogs and with people outside of their family and they stay friendly into adulthood.

"They drag their owners down the street because they are so eager to get here.

"There are loads of toys and obstacles for them to play with and run around and we give them lots of cuddles.

"During the warm weather, we even put a paddling pool outside so they could cool off."

The company has three full-time staff and a part-time assistant. An apprentice and a work experience student also help out a few times a week.