At first glance you could be mistaken for thinking this is any ordinary bakery.

However, the donuts, cupcakes, muffins, biscuits and beer on display are for your PETS.

The new business, on Queen Street in Great Harwood, is the brainchild of former police officer Diane Murphy who was inspired to set up her very own dogs’ bakery after a trip to America.

Hundreds of people were just pawing to get at the baked goods when the shop opened last weekend and many brought along their pets for a taste of doggy heaven.

Milly and Ruby’s Dog Bakery, named after Diane’s two beloved border collies, sells a wide range of handmade dog treats. For feline lovers, there are also a few goodies for cats.

The opening of Milly and Ruby's Dog Bakery in Great Harwood. PIC CREDIT: Small Adventures Photography

The products on sale include ‘pupcakes’ for £1.75, muffins for £3, ‘lollipups’ for £1.25, dog beer for £3 and even a birthday cake for £10.

Diane, who has previously been running the business part-time online for two years, said the treats do not use sugars or salts and are wheat-free and low in gluten. She said there is also no cocoa or theobromine, which is very harmful to dogs.

She said: “The business idea came from a visit to America - bizarrely enough - when I went to visit relatives.

"These sorts of places are on the high street over there, as you can imagine in America. I was a baker anyway and a dog lover.

“I was a police officer until April last year and I left to set this up full-time. I was working from home prior to here and I was looking to expand it.

"I looked everywhere including Clitheroe, Skipton and Blackburn and then this place popped up. I needed somewhere big enough to put a bakery in so I can bake and also a shop premises as well.

The opening of Milly and Ruby's Dog Bakery in Great Harwood. Lily Whittaker. PIC CREDIT: Small Adventures Photography

“We also do cat treats as well but we mostly cater for dogs. Most of them are relatively healthy and some have got a bit more fat than others.”

Mum-of-one Diane, 42, who lives in Sabden, said the shop opening went ‘really well’.

She said: “It was heaving. I do have quite a large client base already but we picked up a lot of new customers on the day. It’s surprising how quickly word spreads.

“I worked in the police for 14 years and had enough. This business was going well and I had to either take the leap or not.

“It’s just me working here at the moment but I’m hoping that will change and I will get some help at some stage.”