DOG owners who dread taking their pets for a wash and brush up can take advantage of a mobile pet grooming salon.

The Trendy Pets parlour-on-wheels, launched three weeks ago by Carol Scott, is aimed at owners and pets who find visiting a normal salon a stressful business.

She travels in an adapted van to the owner's home and the work is done inside it.

Mrs Scott, 57, from Langdon Beck, Teesdale, got the idea from America, where mobile pet salons are very popular.

"I've had my own salon at Sadberge for 20 years and have been grooming dogs since 1960," she said.

"But recently I've had lots of requests from people to come to their homes, especially those with elderly dogs. That means carting a lot of equipment into the house and there can be a lot of mess. With the van, it is the best of both worlds, as the mess stays on the van but the dogs don't have to travel."

The Renault van has a shower, bath, grooming table and hairdryers, as well as tanks for clean and dirty water.

"It is still early days with the business, but I think I have made the right decision to switch," said Mrs Scott.

Trendy Pets travels around Darlington, the Dales and Stockton and deals with all dogs, except very large ones. Call (01833) 622291 for details.