AFTER gradual expansion over two and a half years, a former Prudhoe High School pupil is looking to create a theme park for dogs.

Sean Brown (23) has grown his Petsercise business to the point where he is on the lookout for two new dog walkers so that he can concentrate on the new venture for the North-East.

He is in discussions with farmers and landowners about acquiring a field for the theme park, which would be fenced off and include zip wires, giant swimming pools and similar fun fitness aids.

Sean started his business in 2015 after losing his professional contract with rugby union side Newcastle Falcons, initially starting out as a dog-walking company.

As interest grew, the company started providing rehabilitation for dogs as well as dog care sessions.

It has expanded to the point where it employs four full-time staff, including Sean’s parents, and the family home has been modified to create a permanent base for the dogs, complete with a 14ft outdoor swimming pool.

Two job vacancies have been created to help take the business to the next level, an outdoor play area for dogs.

Sean said: “With the dog industry, there is so much you can do. We want there to be an area where the dogs have their own space and the safety aspect of it is huge.

“Once we get the field up and running, we can reduce the risks associated with walking the dogs by offering a secure base where they won’t disturb the public.

“When you take away those risks, how much more can you do with the dogs? You can let them off the lead more, play with them, control them better and start trialling activities and exercises.”

When Sean, captain of the England U16 and U18 rugby teams, was let go by the Falcons after a string of injuries, he found himself in a bit of a dark place, wondering where to go next.

His sports career had developed his work ethic and drive to succeed, and Petsercise was born.

He grew up around dogs, and decided to take a risk by setting up a company providing specialist care. He has never looked back.

“The big thing I wanted to do is offer something really unique and exciting to the area,” he said.

“I wanted an adventure area to provide proper exercise and fitness to the dogs, almost to create a community and family. It has just grown so quickly and continues to build.

“It’s going really well and I’m always looking to expand whenever we achieve something new.

“What’s frustrating is that what we currently provide only scratches the surface because I want to provide more.

“Setting up a limited company was a massive step and I’m now looking for more staff to allow me to concentrate more on expanding the business.”

Petsercise teamed up with Winlaton-based Living Local Homes this Christmas to present gifts to local kennels.

Sean and his community of clients have donated dog beds, food and other items to Living Local, which distributed the goods to Bryson’s Animal Shelter in Benton, Westgate Ark and Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter.