A STATE-of-the-art self-operated dog washing machine installed on Sandbanks Beach has been welcomed by dog walkers.

The machine's creators, Evolution Dogwash Limited, are leasing a space behind the Sandbanks Beach office from Borough of Poole for an initial 18-months, with the aim of allowing owners to ensure their four legged friend is clean before getting into the car.

A range of different options are available including environmentally friendly shampoo, flea and tick shampoo, conditioner and a blow dry function, using a warm water providing warm water while the dog stands behind a safe enclosure.

Dog owners enjoying the sunshine at the beach yesterday were queuing up to use the machine - believed to be the first of its kind in the UK - before driving home with their pets.

Paul Burdin, who lives in Poole, tried out the washer on his dog Marley.

He said: "I think he enjoyed it. It's a great addition. Once Marley's been in the sea he gets quite salty and he starts itching. So when we get home he rolls in the garden to get it off.

"So this is a great idea and it's great that it's here."

Sarah King from Corfe Mullen, also used the machine to clean off her dogs Paddy and Murphy.

She said: "It stops my car getting sandy, you don't want to put sandy dogs in the back of the car really, so this is ideal. I think it's a brilliant idea."

The service is entirely managed and funded by Evolution, which is a UK company owned by local business people, Mark Whittaker and Tracy Black, who were down on the beach yesterday showing dog owners how to operate the machine, which costs £2 for a two-minute wash.

Mark, who is not a dog owner himself, said they were hoping to roll out more machines in other beachside locations.

He added: "We just saw a lot of wet and sandy dogs on the beach last year, we just thought it would be a fine location for it.

"We've done about 120 washes in the first week. There's definitely a demand for it - it's proven itself in the first few days."