DOZENS of dogs, a vicar, stilt performers and an FA Cup winning football manager – it was a mad morning in Poole for the opening of Jollyes pet store.

The red carpet was rolled out for pets and their owners to mark the grand opening of Jollyes, The Pet People, in Poole’s Wessex Gate East Retail Park on Saturday August 20.

Customers were keen to snag a bargain early doors on Saturday morning before all the festivities, with some sticking around for the official ceremony which would be hosted by BCP Council chair Cllr Nigel Hedges with some help from local football legend Harry Redknapp, his wife Sandra and their eight-year old bulldog Barney.

Before this, several lucky pooches and their owners were blessed by The Rev Bryony Morrison of St James’ Church – who herself brought her border collie to join in on the fun.

At around 10.15am dozens gathered around the entrance where, after a few words from Cllr Hedges, Harry and Sandra took to the front to declare the store open.

Ahead of cutting the ribbon, Harry Redknapp said: “I’ve had loads of people ring me up saying ‘Harry I hear you’re opening a pet shop’, it’s not my pet shop, it’s Jollyes.

“Jollyes very kindly made a donation of £500 to Guide Dogs for the Blind which is really important to me. It’s a charity that I support so when they made that donation, it was really very generous of them.

“It’s great to be here, it’s a great store, have a lovely day everybody.”

Visitors were also treated to a ‘wheel of fur-tune’ where owners could spin the wheel with a chance to win a range of prizes, including doggy treats, toys and vouchers.

John Snell came with his partner and their 14-year-old rescue Whippet called Poppy. He said: “It’s nice, I like the way it’s laid out. Everything is on view and it catches your eye easily. Some places are darker but this is nice and bright.

“We’ll use this place from now on, and it was good to have Harry come down, he’s a nice fella and is happy to talk to anyone.”

Jollyes is not just for dogs, with a wide range of animals catered for. Elsa Marsh came with Rodolpho – one of seven ferrets she cares for. She told the Echo how the new store, located ten minutes from her home, would save her having to pay high prices on Amazon.

Bournemouth Echo: Jollyes, The Pet People, in Wessex Gate East Retail Park, PooleJollyes, The Pet People, in Wessex Gate East Retail Park, Poole

“Not many people have ferrets round here or even know what they are,” she said. “I struggle a lot to find things for them to eat at local pet shops but I’ve noticed that this Jollyes has a good range of ferret foods.

“Having seven ferrets it’s hard to find enough food at affordable prices. So this will be perfect for me now.”

Acting store manager Tom Amos said: “We’ve had a massive turnout so we’re really grateful to the people of Poole who have come out to support Jollyes on our first day of open business. Long may it continue.”