A DOG grooming business announced it has closed permanently.

Countrylife Dog Grooming, based on Station Road in Tidworth, told customers at 9am on Saturday, August 5, that it will no longer be trading.

With great sadness, owner Ria Keen took to social media to explain why she decided not to continue.

Miss Keen said the past year has been "extremely hard and stressful at times" due to energy costs and bills rising to a level she is struggling to keep up with.

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Since starting the independent business in 2019, Miss Keen amassed a loyal and supportive customer base.

She said: "I want to thank all my customers for their loyalty and continued support, I cannot express how grateful I am to you all.

"I will miss you all so much and your beloved pooches I have cried so much but I feel now is the time to step away from grooming."

Customers who have outstanding bookings will be contacted within the next few weeks.

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One customer commented: "I am so sorry to hear. You have done such a great job with both Floki and Freya. They will miss you."

Another said: "So sorry to hear this Ria. No offence but Stanley will not miss being groomed at all (George will) but I will miss them looking so smart every time they come to see you."