Hundreds of pets got into the festive spirit when a Halesowen store hosted a grotto just for animals!

More than 450 pets including dogs, cats, rabbits, a tortoise and even a bearded dragon visited Santa Paws at The Big Pet Store on Sunday (December 2nd) and helped raise more than £1,000 for good causes.

The event was supported by Halesowen and Rowley Regis Rotary Club with proceeds going to its chosen charities.

Rotarian Alan Bowler said: "It was incredible, an amazing day.

"More than 450 very well-behaved pets along with their very patient owners all queued over a four hour period to have a photo taken with Santa and every one of them left with a free treat courtesy of The Big Pet Store.

"People just love their pets - I think they love their pets more than their children!

"We did have some children with their pets, it was a real family event.

"We started at 11am and never stopped till 3pm.

"A huge amount of money was raised for charity."

James Morris MP helped out at the fundraiser as did rotary president Pam Arrowsmith.

Alan thanked Mike Burke from the pet store in Hereward Rise, which donated a free treat pack to every pet and to Midland Photographic which took pictures.

The final fundraising total will be announced, but Alan said it will be more than £1k. The proceeds will be added to this year's rotary club Christmas sleigh tour which usually raises around £12k and will be dished out to the rotary club's chosen charities.