A DOG lover is launching a unique business to pamper pets.

Bronte Thomas, from Runcorn, hopes her Classy Paws Boutique will also create career opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

The 24-year-old works for agency Access2Support in the old town which helps anyone over 18 with learning, physical or mental health issues.

Bronte, from Brookvale, said: "It's a real struggle to find work placements for adults with learning disabilities so I decided to set up my own business to give them some encouragement and motivation.

"Staff members from the agency will be in the store to support clients.

"They are really excited about being given this opportunity.

"The message I want to get out there is that people with autism and Asperger's are often overlooked yet have great potential. Hopefully, this will open a few doors for them."

Bronte's food and accessory shop for cats and dogs opens at the Bridgewater Craft and Garden Centre beside Webbs on Halton Road on Saturday and will be serving prosecco from 11am to 4pm.

Bronte will be selling Natures Menu natural food which she gives her own nine-month-old cocker spaniel, Elf.

"It is a nutritious raw food alternative from a specialist company," she said. "We will be offering high quality items and a complete healthier way of animal living.

"We also be stocking birthday celebration cakes baked specially for animals from Barking Bakery Goods which were shown on BBC's The Apprentice.

"We will also have tonics to treat various conditions pets have such as anxiety and skin allergy."

The venture has created six new jobs.

"I am a big dog lover," said Bronte. "Elf was a Christmas day present and is well known in Runcorn as he often wears bow ties

"Every time dogs come in we will take their picture and put it on the wall. The little pictures will give the shop a personalised touch."