UPTON Country Park could be the next place to get a state-of-the-art self use dog washing machine.

Following the success of their machine installed at Sandbanks in March, Evolution Dogwash Limited is applying for planning permission for a similar dog washing facility at Upton Country Park - another firm favourite among Poole's dog walking fraternity.

The pay-as-you-use contraption would be sited alongside the toilet block next to the car park and housed in a wooden hut, offering muddy four-legged pals a chance to spruce up before the car ride home.

The planning application also includes the provision of log seats around the device so pets and owners can wait for their turn in comfort.

Pampered pooches would be provided a range of different options in the stainless steel salons including environmentally friendly shampoo, flea and tick shampoo, and conditioner. The water is warmed and there is even a blow dry function to finish off the sprucing.

According to the plans the applicants "expect it to attract new visitors to the park as well as contribute to current visitors’ experience at Poole’s only award winning Country Park by providing a cost effective and useful service to dog owners."

The Sandbanks version, which is in situ for an initial 18 month period, has proved a huge hit with more than 500 washes taking place in its first month of operation.

Dog owners were queuing up to use the machine - believed to be the first of its kind in the UK -paying £2 for a two-minute wash.

The Sandbanks service is entirely managed and funded by Evolution, which is a UK company owned by local business people, Mark Whittaker and Tracy Black.

Mark told the Echo they were hoping to roll out more machines in other beachside locations.

Tracy Black said of the Sandbanks facility: "The Evolution Dogwash has proven to be incredibly well received in the USA where over 300 machines have already been installed.

"We hope to make dog owner’s lives easier by providing a fun and cost effective way of washing your dog."

Following the installation of the Sandbanks machine Councillor John Rampton, cabinet portfolio holder for environment and consumer protection, Borough of Poole, said: “We will monitor the level of demand and may consider introducing the service at other locations."

The application has yet to come beofre planners who will make a decision.