THE economic crunch hasn’t stopped people spending on their animals, according to an expanding pet store chain.

Ashington specialist pet shop Animal Tracks has opened a second branch at the Azure Garden Centre in Cramlington, and has created jobs.

The shops, owned by Jason Seymour and Helen Edwards from nearby Bedlington, sell creatures from the exotic end of the market including reptiles, insects and tropical fish.

Seymour said: “It has been a brilliant move for us.

“We started life in a garden centre but our new store at Azure is much bigger and much, much better.

“In our first two months we have already quadrupled turnover and taken on two staff.

“We will be looking for more over the coming months.”

The couple, who have now also started selling pet accessories online, teamed up with Morpeth vets Robson & Prescott to create a “foot prints” care pack for customers to ensure they are prepared to looked after their new pets.

They worked with enterprise agency Go Wansbeck, which advised on the right way to expand the business.

Enterprise coach Karl McCracken said: “The success of Jason and Helen’s business is due to their contagious enthusiasm, rigorous attention to welfare for all their animals, and training their staff to the highest standards.

“I’m sure their new concession at Azure will be a great success and create even more much-needed jobs at this difficult time.”