Schoolchildren made some furry and scaly new friends at the opening of a new pet shop.

Pupils from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School in The Limes Avenue, New Southgate were among special guests at the grand opening of the new Pets at Home shop in Friern Barnet retail park last Friday.

As well as meeting some of the animals, the children were treated to a pet care workshop, teaching them how to keep pets healthy and happy. 

Store Manager, Stephen Pratt said: “We were really excited about Friday’s grand opening and it was great to finally meet all our special guests.

“Our pet workshops are very popular and the children from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School thoroughly enjoyed the experience.”

Opened by Deputy Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Kate Salinger, the new store has created 16 jobs and will be home to a vets and an RSPCA pet adoption centre.