The first commercial dog grooming school in Wales has been set up in Blackwood Town Centre with help from Caerphilly county borough council.

Claire Hyde, owner of Classic Canine Cuts, has expanded her successful grooming business by offering training courses to people who are interested in a career in commercial dog grooming.

The courses on offer range from 6 weeks to 3 months and participants will learn everything they need to know about bathing, clipping and grooming various breeds of dogs incorporating safety throughout. The trainees work on dogs whose owners have given permission in return for a reduced rate and there is even a residential option for trainees who would prefer to stay on-site during their course.

The business recently won the New Business of the Year award at the annual Caerphilly Business Forum awards. Caerphilly county borough council provided Claire with a Business Start Up Grant to get the venture off the ground and purchase special adjustable hydraulic tables for the trainees to work on.

Claire Hyde is delighted with the success of the business, "Business is brisk and bookings for grooming courses are being received. Trainees are very enthusiastic and keen to learn these exciting new skills. I'd like to thank the council for all their help and support over the last year to help get the business up and running."

Cabinet Member, Cllr Robert Gough said, "The council offers a range of grants to local businesses and we are always delighted to be able to help new ventures get off the ground. I would like to congratulate Claire on her success and hope the business will continue to prosper in the future"