A DOG lover from Worcestershire has launched his own business to encourage local owners to dine out with their pets.

Dogs Allowed, the brainchild of 27-year-old marketer Nick Fisher, was launched earlier this week for county pet owners, offering discounts at restaurants, shops and pubs to customers who bring along their four-legged friends.

Mr Fisher said: "Dogs Allowed is basically a movement to make dog-friendly the norm.

"The idea was born from my passion for great grub and love of dining out locally, but my hatred of having to leave Max, my alarmingly-large goldendoodle, at home.

"Owners don't want to have to tie their dogs up outside, plus a lot of them aren't aware of some of the places that do allow dogs.

"So we're flying the flag for dogs and reaching out to more and more venues to get the word out."

Dozens of dog-friendly venues have already signed up Dogs Allowed partners including Wayland's Yard and Burger Shop in Worcester.

Bayley's of Bromsgrove, Ollie's Eatery in Bromsgove, Cafe Morso in Droitwich and the Wildmoor Oak have also signed up.

George Bayley, co-owner of Bayleys bottle shop and bar, said: "There's not that many dog-friendly places in Bromsgrove at the moment - or at least you don't hear about them.

"We love dogs so we knew from the start we were going to let dogs in.

"Lots of people have dogs so you're cancelling out quite a large customer base if you don't allow dogs inside."

Members are allocated with a Dogs Allowed Card, which all they need to do is present it at the till to get their discount, when they make a purchase in one of the venues taking part in the scheme,

Membership cards cost £29. Visit dogsallowedcard.co.uk for more information.