A DEVON college is offering pet lovers the chance to take part in an unusual course... in dog grooming.

The course, at East Budleigh's Bicton College, is for canine lovers and those taking a more professional interest in the hobby.

And the pooch pampering classes are proving a big hit.

Nick Nicholls, of Bicton College, said the courses attracted people who were keen to look after their own pets as well as those who want to move into the business of dog grooming.

"Some people have quite a few of their own pet dogs, and this course, through teaching them basic skills, can help them save money in the long run," he said.

"Others are enthusiastic about using what they have learnt in order to embark on a career move."

Joanna Priddle, who took the course last year, did just that. Initially enrolling in the classes in order to look after her own dogs, she soon found she had a natural affinity for dog grooming, and now owns Mucky Mutts, based in Crediton.

She said: "My main aim was to learn how to groom my own dogs successfully. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to start up in business."

With her new venture well under way, Jo is now looking to take a nationally-approved qualification in the skill.

Kitrina Bishop, manager of Short Courses at Bicton, said there was a growing interest in dog grooming over recent years: "People have become increasingly concerned about the appearance of their pet dogs," said Ms Bishop. "We have also seen a rising ownership of rarer, more specialist, breeds of dogs."

After completion of the four-day course some students progress to the clipping and stripping course, which develops and builds on the skills learnt in the basic dog grooming classes, with specialisation in different breeds and coat types of dogs, and with a continued emphasis on anatomy and health.

The next dog grooming course at the college, which specialises in land and environment education, starts on Wednesday, February 4, and runs over four weeks, at a cost of £290. Students will learn how to interpret canine body language and how to recognise when a dog is uncomfortable; handling and restraint; health checks; practical grooming; maintenance of equipment; shampooing; drying and basic scissoring and nail clipping.

For more information, visit www.bicton.ac.uk or call 01395 562400.