A NEW pet store will provide a boost to Dorchester’s economy.

Pets at Home has invested around £600,000 in a new store in Weymouth Avenue Retail Park, which will create 10 jobs for local people.

The nation’s largest pet supplier is opening its 372th store in the former Dreams shop with around 7,500 square feet of trading space.

Over 380 people have applied for the 10 positions and the store will be opened on Friday, March 7.

News of Pets at Home’s arrival was welcomed by West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin.

He said: “I’m delighted to welcome such a prestigious household name to Dorchester.

“The new Pets at Home store is a great addition to our existing retail landscape and I’m thrilled that it will provide job opportunities for those wishing to pursue a career in caring for animals.”

Area manager for Pets at Home Alan Smith said the company had responded to ‘strong demand’ for a store in the county town.

He said: “There was a strong demand from Dorchester 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 Dorchester.

“They’re all extremely passionate about pets and can’t wait to get started.”

Those applying for the jobs with Pets at Home have to go through a number of stages to assess their compatibility and successful recruits are given the option to gain specialist qualifications in pet care during their career.

Store manager Christine Burdess has been with Pets at Home for over 19 years, having previously worked at the Yeovil branch.

She 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 provides thousands of dedicated pet products catering for local dogs, cats, small animals, chickens, reptiles, birds and fish as well as wildlife.

There will also be a Groom Room and a Vets4Pets veterinary surgery within the store.

The company was founded in 1991 and currently employs more than 6,000 people across more than 370 stores nationwide.

Find out more information about job opportunities with the company here