DOGS, cats and rodents were all nominated to open Pets at Home’s new store in Wisbech - and we today can reveal the lucky VIP who will open the store on Friday.

Bullseye the French Bulldog was entered into the competition by her owner, nine-year-old Maddy Purvis of Walpole Highway.

Bullseye will open the store on Friday and has also won �150 of Pets at Home vouchers to spend in-store.

Maddy, a pupil at Walpole Highway Primary School, wrote a poem with her mum Donna about why Bullseye should open the store:

“My big bat ears, my wide set eyes,

And wrinkly squashed up nose,

Might not make me the obvious choice,

To strike a pretty pose.

But if its fun and love you want,

I’m up there with the best,

I’d love to open Pets at Home,

And be your doggy guest!”

Two runners-up prizes of �25 Pets at Home vouchers have also been won. They have gone to:

• Flash, a lop-eared rabbit, had a rough start in life by being abandoned on Hazel Milward’s doorstep in March two years ago. Hazel said: “Since then he has become a big baby at heart within our family where he adores being tickled, fussed, hugged and given lots of treats.”

• Mollie, a Cocker Spaniel, joined the Wharf family in Wisbech after the birth of Samantha Wharf’s niece Ella.

“Since then they have been best friends, sharing experiences, even food,” said Samantha. “Mollie has suffered pulled ears and grabbed tails from Ella and has never barked or responded in anger.

“Her placid and caring nature is deserving of this prize.”

The store, at Belgrave Retail Park, opens next Friday at 9am. It is creating 11 new jobs and will provide thousands of dedicated pet products for local dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, chicken, birds, fish and wildlife.

Store Manager Dominic Baker and his team, who have been busy undergoing special training to further develop their pet care expertise, are looking forward to welcoming Wisbech’s pets and their owners to the new store.

Dominic said: “I’m delighted to be opening our new store in Wisbech. We are passionate about pets and that is evident to everyone who visits a Pets at Home store. We will provide plenty of advice and ideas for customers and we welcome pets of all shapes and sizes.”

One of the features of the Wisbech store is a Pet Adoption Centre where needy pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small animals, are cared for until a new loving home can be found.

There will be an aquatic centre with cold water and tropical fish, as well as a wide range of accessories suitable for fish keepers of all levels.

The store will also be home to a reptile centre, where a dedicated team will be on hand to answer any questions about caring for Bearded Dragons and Leopard Geckos.

Customers will find a pet village in-store, which is home to rabbits and guinea pigs, along with their other furry friends such as hamsters, gerbils and rats, plus more unusual pets such as degus and chinchillas.

Dominic said: “Whether you are looking for food, toys, bedding or something a bit quirky, Pets at Home has the most fantastic range and choice.

“Our team will also be on hand to offer advice for you and your pet, on any matter from nutrition to preventing fleas and worms.”

Customers are invited to enjoy the opening celebrations taking place at the store on Saturday November 6 and Sunday November 7. There will be free entertainment for children, in the form of face painting and balloon modelling, and customers will be able to take advantage of a 10 per cent discount.

Families are also invited to visit the pet village for Picnic Time, which will take place at 4pm every weekday and at 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

Picnic Time is an interactive session where customers can watch the pets being fed their healthy afternoon snacks, learning about their feeding habits and how to care for pets responsibly.