A new RSPCA adoption centre has been opened at a pet shop in Friern Barnet to increase the number of neglected animals being rehomed.

The centre was officially opened by RSPCA chief executive Gavin Grant at the Pets at Home store, in the Friern Bridge Retail Park, in Pegasus Way, on Friday.

The branch is the second of several planned across England and Wales and includes a living room area for customers to get advice on pet care and adoption and meet the animals.

The centre has space to house up to four cats and four rabbits until new homes can be found for them, while dogs which are also looking for new homes will be brought in at weekends.

Mr Grant said: “With ever more animals being abandoned and abused, there's so much we can do together. I'm excited by the prospect of more rescued pets being rehomed and many more people being educated about better animal care and welfare.”