THE long-time owner of a Bridport pet store has decided to retire - and his business partner has taken over.

With Mervyn Pratt announcing his retirement following 26 years at Pets Direct and Aquatics at the Old Laundry trading estate in Sea Road North, the store has been taken over by his business partner, Simon Loud.

Mr Pratt started the company in 1994 - originally delivering pet food from his van.

Mr Pratt said: "I would like to thank all of our customers past and present for their custom and loyalty.

"I would like to thank Simon for all his hard work, dedication and friendship over all these years and would like to wish him all the very best now that he is taking over the running of the business."