PAMPERED pooches now have their own special canine cafe — thanks to a firm of dog-loving hairdressers.

Masquerade Hair and Beauty salon in Scholes Bank, Chorley New Road, Horwich, set up an official Dog Cafe to cater for passing dogs.

And since it opened, it's become the place where dogs of all shapes and sizes can stop for a swift drink and a bone to gnaw on.

Kim Taylor - who manages the salon owned by her mum, Sue Berry - explained that they set up the cafe "because we get lots of walkers passing by with their dogs on the way to Rivington.

She said: "We just felt it would be nice to ensure the dogs had a drink, some bones and somewhere of their own stop briefly, and we've been really pleased at the numbers who do stop by regularly. In fact, the dogs are so used to the cafe that they often lead the way here."

Kim and staff not only put out dishes of water and gravy bones each day but also have an artificial tree for minor doggy calls of nature.

"We just clean the tree every day in case they feel the need to use it," added Kim, who has her own 15 month-old pet dog, Mr Darcy, a Jackapoo which is a cross between a Jack Russell and a poodle. "We're all dog-lovers here and several of the staff have their own pets. We also only use Paul Mitchell products which are not tested on animals."

In fact, Masquerade now also stocks a dog-friendly range of shampoos, wipes and other products by Paul Mitchell called "Our Poochie", which claim to be "tested on humans."

Kim and staff have been pleased with the response to the Dog Cafe and look forward to seeing regulars like Dottie the border collie and friends. "They do love it here," added Kim. "Some of the customers now bring their dogs but we have lots of passersby who know that they can stop here with their pets for refreshments. And the dogs know that, too!"