A DARWEN business is on a mission to make sure dogs stay warm this winter.

Friday Fox, an online shop based in Pickup Bank is a small family establishment which hand makes designer blankets and coats for horses and dogs.

Owner Iain Asher said even though many people see dressing up their pet as fun it's actually a necessity for some dogs.

He said: "We find that greyhounds, whippets and lurchers in particular need these blankets because they get very cold with their thin fur.

"None of us like to see a dog shivering but that's what happens to some without that extra warmth so these are the dogs that we tend to specialise in.

"But also we have starting creating some coats for really furry dogs like Newfoundland's which might seem bizarre but when their fur gets wet it can take more than a day to dry so they get cold.

"We pride ourselves on making our coats from local products such as cotton from the Calder Valley and the moleskin comes from Yorkshire."

In the past week Friday Fox kilt coats, designed for terriers in particular, have become popular due to Burns Night celebrations.

As well as coats for horses and dogs the business also sells accessories such as dog whistles and beds and showers and rug racks for the stable yard.

There's also plenty of countryside and winter gear available for long walks with furry friends such as picnic blankets, hip flasks, gloves, scarves and bags.

And it's not just in East Lancashire where dogs a snuggly up in Friday Fox gear, the business has gained customers overseas.

Mr Asher said: "We actually have some customers over in Canada where dogs can often be half-submerged in snow.

"It's a very cold climate in some regions so they do need this sort of protection."

The company dispatches 97 per cent of its orders within 24 hours and if an item is not in stock then customers will be notified.

To find out more visit www.fridayfox.co.uk.