A LUNE Valley-based dog holiday company has moved into new state-of-the-art offices after outgrowing the village premises it has occupied for a decade.

Barking Mad Ltd, founded by Lee Dancy and run with her husband Richard, has experienced major growth since it was founded in 2000.

The franchise company, which provides 'an alternative to kennels', has moved its HQ to Lane Farm Business Park, into a new development next to the A65 at Kirkby Lonsdale.

In recent years Barking Mad Pet Care Professionals has expanded into all parts of the UK. It has an associate franchise company in the USA.

The business has built up an extensive network of franchisees who take in dogs for people who want to go on holiday without their pets but don't want to use kennels.

Barking Mad, which employs 13 people, also runs a professional mobile dog grooming franchise business.

The move to new offices was celebrated at an official opening party with pet care pioneers and specially invited guests.

Mrs Dancy, who is managing director and finalist in the 2015 Business Woman of the Year awards, said: “We are delighted to be able to move to such prestigious high profile premises in Kirkby Lonsdale.

"We out grew our previous location and have invested in the support team as the business continues to break new records.

"We will continue to employ local people and use local businesses and enjoy being part of the community. I am very lucky to have such a great team working with me and believe we are making a sound investment in the area for further growth for many years to come.”

Barking Mad has been operating successfully since 2000 in the Lune Valley and have been in the village of Barbon for the last 10 years."

The company has more than 1,300 'trusted host families' in the UK.

It has 67 franchise territories - known as Dog Travel Agents - and four mobile dog grooming businesses.

Barking Mad is a full member of the British Franchise Association and Pet Industry Federation, the Pet Services Association and the British Dog Groomers’ Association.