A rescued hedgehog and a Jack Russell puppy helped launch a new pet store in Bradley Stoke.

Pets at Home has created 16 jobs with the opening of its shop in the Willow Brook Centre.

Special guests on the first day of trading included Beryl Casey of Hedgehog Rescue, who outlined the work of the charity to customers. Shoppers also learnt about the local Three Brooks nature reserve from John Morris and Dave Barker, of South Gloucestershire Council, and how volunteers help care for the site.

Albert the 11-week-old puppy, who won a Pet Idol competition organised by the store in advance of the opening, was special guest with his owner Kerry Tessler and joined manager Russell Hardiman-Richards for the opening.

Callum Higgins and Chelsea Baker, year eight pupils at Bradley Stoke Community School, and year nine student Sophie Maxted were also invited after winning an art competition. Events to mark the opening were set to continue on Saturday and Sunday.