A PET shop has seen an upsurge of animal lovers buying its most popular pets this year.

But with the UK experiencing summer heatwaves, staff at Firthfield Pet Stores are advising all hamster and rabbit owners to take extra care of their animals.

The Witton Street shop has already sold more than 80 hamsters and rabbits in 2015, which is a 30 per cent increase on last year's figures.

Thelma Egerton, from the store, said: "Dogs and cats are certainly popular but it’s hamsters and rabbits that have been the town’s best loved pets across our 53 year history.

"I think it’s a lot to do with their size, which makes them very well suited to being a child’s first pet.

"We really do view all the animals in our shop as our own and take great care to make sure pets and their new owners are well suited before they leave us.

"We provide plenty of guidance on how to give our animals a happy home and are always on hand to answer questions."

She warned Northwich pet owners to take extra care and keep their pets well watered and ventilated throughout the summer months.

"Rabbits and hamsters can be very prone to sunstroke so it’s important to make sure they’re not left in the direct sun for too long," she said.

"Make sure they have plenty of water and keep them clean.

"Poo left on a rabbit’s bottom can see them affected by fly strike so regular cleaning stops the likelihood of infections and lice, which can prove uncomfortable and even fatal."

Firthfields Pet Stores was founded in 1962 by Thelma’s father-in-law and has stayed in the family since.