STEVE and Debbie Fowler, the founders of the Verwood-based pet store group PamPurredPets, praised and congratulated two of their longest serving staff at a celebration lunch held in Bournemouth.

Michelle White, the manager of the Parkstone PamPurredPets store, was commended for 20 years of loyal service.

In 1994 Michelle, a former student at Bournemouth and Poole College, started at the Parkstone store as a part- time assistant.

Steve said that her love and interest in animals ensured that her helpful nature with customers was appreciated and she now serves a second generation of regular customers.

Charlotte Sturmey started at the company’s head office in Verwood as a full time administration assistant.

Over time Charlotte has been promoted to office manager and marketing and property manager, overseeing the introduction of new stores and their promotion.

A former University of Manchester student with a BA Hons in Business Management, she said that the steady expansion of the company - there are now 48 stores across southern England and South Wales - combined with Steve’s "contagious passion for the business", had ensured that her 15 years with the company had flown by.

Steve said that this year’s presentation lunch acknowledged three more staff for their 10 years of service and a further 11 of the team for five years.

He added: “Our staff retention record is amazing and in many ways essential to the success of our stores. Our customers get to know our store teams thanks to the quality of friendly service and the experience and knowledge they provide. Touring the stores is always a pleasure and a chance to catch up with them all.”

Steve and Debbie Fowler opened the first PamPurredPets store in Ferndown in 1981 with only two staff. The business now employs over 350 full and part time people in the stores and 40 staff at the Verwood head office and warehouse.