Animal lovers were queueing out the door at the opening of a village pet store and dog groomers.

Happy Tails welcomed its first customers on Friday (August 18) after a £60,000 refurbishment to transform the shop in Higham, between Gravesend and Strood.

Kerry Jewiss, who owns the shop with her partner Claire Stevens, said: “We were excited to open our doors for the first time on Friday. The opening weekend was a great success with queues out the door and stock flying off the shelves.

“We were overwhelmed with the support from the community, and together with full-timers Rebecca and Krissi, had a lovely time meeting all the pet owners and offering advice on nutrition and training.

“We cannot wait to welcome you all and your pets into our shop.”

The co-owners, who have been together for 11 years, said they ended up travelling all over the county to provide the best products for their three chocolate labradors – Nala, Flo and Belle – and wanted to bring that closer to home.

The store, which was formally the Hair Care salon, is primarily a pet supplies store with a dog spa and grooming service opening at the end of the month.

It offers a wide range of food and treats for four-legged friends, including a pick-and-mix station of natural treats, pet supplies such as toys, leads and beds, medical products and personalised gifts such as pet portraits.

There is also an outdoor wash-and-go shower area so dog walkers can clean their pets before taking them home, with shampoo, brushes and towels provided.

The Mayor of Gravesham Cllr Gurdip Ram Bungar officially opened the store, in School Lane, by cutting the ribbon and all customers were given a glass of prosecco and a gift bag on arrival.

Happy Tails is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 4.30pm and will be opening on Sundays from 10am to 1pm between October and December.