It’s said that all good dogs go to heaven, and one Andover business has received a grant of hundreds of pounds after producing their own pooch paradise on Earth.

The Dogchester Hotel, based on Winchester Road, was launched by Samantha Spratt last year, providing accommodation for dogs while their owners are away. She received a £750 Business Incentive Grant from Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC) after managing to stay open.

Samantha said: “The Dogchester Hotel is an exciting new work opportunity. I love dogs, so it seemed like the perfect business for me. I have set up a Facebook page and website and have the appropriate licence to make a go of it.”

TVBC’s £750 Business Incentive Grants have been given for a number of years, with firms including gardeners, electricians and even drone photography receiving the payment following applications to the council.

The grant is available to anyone looking to set up their own full-time business in Test Valley. Anyone who successfully applies for the grant will receive £750 if their business is still going strong six months later.

In May, the M.A.Y.B salon on Junction Road was given the grant after opening in lockdown and successfully surviving the pandemic.

Samantha decided to start the hotel following her youngest child starting school, at which point she decided to start her own business.

Samantha, who has a hearing problem, said she wanted to do something that she loved, and with her options narrowed down, said that dog boarding seemed the obvious route.

Councillor David Drew, who presented the cheque to Samantha, said: “I wish Samantha all the best with her new business venture. The grant schemes are a real opportunity for new local businesses to get up and running.”

For more information about TVBC’s grant schemes, and how to apply for them, visit https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/business/businessgrantsandsupport/grantsandfunding