A NORTH-East pet hotel has teamed up with a confectioner to offer the ultimate in animal pampering.

Mars Incorporated, maker of the Mars bar, has branched out into animal hospitality by forming Petcareco Ltd, a joint partnership with Ann Adlington, former owner of the Triple A Animal Hotel, at West Boldon, South Tyneside.

Under the partnership, the hotel is offering dogs the chance to go swimming in the hydrotherapy pool, run in the paddock, work out in the indoor gym or paddle against currents in the Jacuzzi.

They can relax with a video of their owner on a personal television set, while owners can monitor their pets via kennel webcams.

Cats have their own balconies with music from Classic FM, and exotic birds are provided with jungle videos to remind them of home.

Sarah Cheeseman, operations manager at Triple A, a pilot centre for the partnership, said animals' every needs are catered for.

"If it is the sort of cat which likes to sit on your knee and be petted, then that is what the staff will do," she said.

"If it is a more independent type of cat, they will go to the cat's unit and sit next to it for a few minutes, staring out of the window to keep it company."

Accommodation at Triple A costs £15 a night for a basic package, and more for extras such as cuddles and duvets.