Pet owners soaking up the sun on holiday can keep a virtual eye on their pampered pooches at a new luxury kennels near Darlington.

A webcam has been installed at the Aeolian House Kennels and Cattery so people away on holiday can keep in touch with their pets.

The facility - which cost more than �250,000 - offers a home from home for cats and dogs with individual centrally heated apartments, full sized beds, colour televisions and webcam.

It also provides a funeral service, chapel of rest and a special crematorium for pets.

You can't pick up the phone to a pet, but if owners could see their dog they would be reassured Louise Bloomfield, owner

The luxury living was the brainchild of Andrew Bloomfield, a former-RAF police dog handler, and his wife Louise.

They have tried to create a home-from-home feel for the pampered pets.

"There are nine luxury apartments which can each take two dogs," said Mr Bloomfield.

"All of them have got normal single beds with quilts and covers, pictures on all the walls, a television, windows with curtains, washable carpets and webcams.

"People who are away on holiday can take their laptops with them, or go to a cyber-cafe, log-on and see how their cats or dogs are doing."

Religious service

Mrs Bloomfield added: "You can't pick up the phone to a pet, but if owners could see their dog they would be reassured... it is all about peace of mind."

Mr Bloomfield said the televisions were an important aspect to the kennels and some pets even had their favourite programmes

"It makes them feel more at home with the television on. Some of them even react to different programmes. I think it makes a big difference."