Holidaymakers who are missing their pets back home can now stay in touch - thanks to computer technology.

Bosses of Britains poshest boarding kennels have installed webcams to beam pictures of pining pooches and miserable moggies to their owners anywhere in the world.

The internet links have been set up in 42 pet "apartments" - which also boast central heating, sofa beds and background music - at the Triple A Pet Resort at West Boldon, near Sunderland.

The centre has just had a luxury revamp costing more than £1.5m to pamper pets ranging from budgies to St Bernards.

With prices starting from £15 a day for dogs, the boarders are treated like royalty.

They can relax in the hydrotherapy pool, enjoy a session in the grooming parlour, play in the indoor arena or be taken for walkies in the countryside.

And before bedtime they can bark or miaow a greeting via the webcam to let their owners know they are happy.

Ann Adlington, who founded the centre 18 years ago, said: "Many people naturally worry about their pets when they go off on holiday.

"By using our webcams they can keep in live touch from wherever they are in the world and relax knowing their animals are in good hands."