OVER 800 people applied for just 11 jobs at the new Pets at Home store which opens in Falmouth on July 11.

The company is investing more than £350,000 in the new store at Ponsharden Roundabout on Falmouth Road which it says will provide a boost to the local economy. The purpose built new unit has 5,000 sq ft of floor space.

Area manager, Tony Harvey, said they had found a strong team of 11 people out of the 800 who applied for the jobs.

“There was a strong demand from Falmouth pet owners for Pets at Home to come to town, and we’re very pleased to have been able to grant them their wish," he said.

“Pets at Home is committed to recruiting from the local area and I’m pleased we’ve found a team of talented individuals in Falmouth. They’re all extremely passionate about pets and can’t wait to get started.”

Applicants go through a number of stages to assess their compatibility for the role. Those recruited are given the option to gain specialist qualifications in pet care during their career with Pets at Home.

Store manager, Phillippa Haines, has been with Pets at Home for 18 months, having previously worked at the Liskeard branch.

Phillippa said: “It’s been a busy few months and now my team and I can’t wait to open the doors and welcome our new customers and their pets to the store.”

Pets at Home Falmouth will provide thousands of dedicated pet products, catering for local dogs, cats, small animals, reptiles, birds and fish as well as wildlife. There will also be a Groom Room and a Vets4Pets veterinary surgery within the store.

The company, founded in 1991, has more than 370 sites across the UK employing more than 6,000 people and is proud to have won The Sunday Times Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For 2013.