WORK has started to expand Kidderminster's biggest pet store.

Wilsons Pet Centre is adding more than 3,000 sq ft of space to its 5,000 sq ft store on New Road, taking in part of a neighbouring unit formerly occupied by Somerfield.

At the same time, Wilsons Pet Centres is celebrating 10 years in Kidderminster, one of nine stores now open across the Midlands.

The newly extended store is expected to be complete in September, when it will become the flagship outlet for the pet specialist and a centre of excellence for pet advice products and services.

The expansion sees a huge extension to the company's aquatics department where specialist tanks will be installed along with a new range of products for cold water and tropical fish will.

In the meantime, it will be very much business as usual while work goes on, according to manager Stuart Lane, manager of the 20-strong Kidderminster store.

He said: "We will be introducing a much wider range of specialist foods, accessories and cages for every pet owner.

"We are planning to stage more school visits and in-store demonstrations and to open a special pet behaviour advice centre.

"From September, there will also be permanent in-store grooming centre.

"Customers can rest assured however we will remain open throughout the alterations."