A LUXURY pet hotel partnership, based in the North-East, is branching out to other parts of the country.

Petcareco Ltd, a partnership between Mars Incorporated, maker of Mars Bars, and Ann Adlington, former owner of the Triple A Pet Resort at West Boldon, South Tyneside, was established at the hotel last year.

While it had been operating on a limited scale for 19 years, the extra £1.5m generated by the partnership enabled it to expand its services to become the animal equivalent of The Hilton.

Among the features it now boasts are pet apartments complete with web cams enabling owners to monitor their animals, a grooming suite, indoor and outdoor training and exercise facilities and a hydrotherapy pool.

Owners can order extras including cuddles for cats and playtimes.

Now its brand of pampering will be available to those outside the North-East, with the establishment of a Leeds branch. There are also plans to build others elsewhere in the country soon.