JOLLYES, the Pet People, is planning the opening for its new Poole store as it prepares to give Dorset pet owners a warm welcome.

The finishing touches are being put to the new store which opens at Wessex Gate East Retail Park, at 10am on Saturday, August 20.

Jollyes has prepared a special line-up of events for owners and their pets, including the search for Poole’s best pets which begins today on community station Hot Radio.

Lucky winners will each get a £35 Jollyes voucher and will be invited along to the opening event.

Bournemouth Echo: There is a planned appearance by Barney the dog alongside owners Harry and Sandra RedknappThere is a planned appearance by Barney the dog alongside owners Harry and Sandra Redknapp

The Rev Bryony Morrison, of St James’ Church, close to the Poole store, has agreed to bless pets and their owners before opening at around 9.50am. Accompanied by her two border collies. Revd Morrison is planning a full pet blessing service at St James’ on Sunday, August 28.

And, with crossed fingers, subject to no last minute change of plans, one of Poole’s most famous residents, Barney the dog, has accepted an invitation to attend - along with owners Harry and Sandra Redknapp.

Barney will take his lead for the opening from BCP chairperson Cllr Nigel Hedges and Hot Radio’s Karl Davies.

What's happening on the Jollyes opening day?

  • Hot Radio live-linking from the opening
  • The winners of Hot Radio’s search for the cutest pets collect their prizes
  • Rev Bryony Morrison from St James’ Church, Poole, gives the store a blessing at 9.50am
  • A planned appearance by Barney the dog alongside owners Harry and Sandra Redknapp
  • Special guest, the chairperson of BCP Council, Cllr Nigel Hedges
  • A chance to win prizes on Jollyes’ iconic ‘Wheel of Fur-tune’
  • Goody bags for the first 100 customers sample testing balloons for kids

Jollyes’ regional manager, Matt Godwin, said: “What better way to get the new store started than with a blessing? It’s going to be a very exciting day, with a great line-up of events and some well-known faces.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming owners and their pets from Poole and the surrounding area into our new store and to playing our part in the local community.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Jollyes sells a range of pet supplies including: dog and cat food, toys and accessories, food, treats and accessories for small pets, birds and fish.

In the weeks after opening, the store will also host a Community Pet Clinic, offering regular health checks, vaccinations, flea and worming and microchipping.