A DAYTIME crche with a difference is being opened in the region next month.

The facility will cater exclusively for dogs and is the idea of retired doctor's surgery manager Carol Rutherford.

The 58-year-old has spent about £10,000 converting four stables at her home in Medomsley, Consett, into kennels for 12 dogs.

She hopes to open her business - Carisco Canine Crche - next month, providing care for dogs throughout the day.

"People will be able to drop their dogs off in the morning at about eight or nine o'clock and pick them up again at six," she said.

"It will help anyone who has to go away for the whole day, or is moving house, for example, or those who are back in full-time employment and need a hand to look after their dog.

"All dogs will be walked twice a day, groomed and have time to both play and sleep."

Planning permission for the change of use of the stables was granted by Derwentside District Council last month and Mrs Rutherford, who shows, breeds and judges Scottish terriers, is waiting to receive her boarding licence.

She has insulated the ceiling, fitted a new roof and wooden floors and painting the kennels.

"I have permission to run the kennels for a year and will then have to reapply to the council.

"It is a big risk spending thousands on this, but I hope it takes off," she said.

"I have always had dogs in my life and this is something I have wanted to do for a long time."

The cost of putting a dog in the creche will be £18 a day. For more information, contact Mrs Rutherford on (01207) 500462 or 07879 673073.