RECENT months have seen entrepreneurial success for both a former and a current student of Pembrokeshire College's Animal Care Department.

Francesca McCaffery successfully graduated on the foundation degree in animal science course last summer having originally started at the college back in 2009 on the national diploma in animal management. With a love of working with animals, throughout her three years at Pembrokeshire College Francesca took up work experience on a livery yard, before completing a dog training course in May last year.

Having studied animal management, animal nutrition and an OCN in business management, it wasn't long before Francesca pursued her dream of owning her own business and opened her own pet salon.

"It is going a lot better than I ever thought," she said with a big smile. Based on the Milford Marina, Francesca offers services in dog and cat grooming and nail clipping for smaller animals too. At present, she sees two dogs per day, but aims to reach around six per day in the near future.

Following in Francesca's footsteps is Matthew Richmond, a current student at the college and a double award winner at this year's Radio Pembrokeshire Young Achievers Awards. Currently studying on the extended diploma in animal management, Matthew is a popular, established pet sitter within the local community. Starting off by walking friends' dogs, the business took off a lot quicker than Matthew could have imagined. Looking after people's pets of all shapes and sizes, he is now booked up until October 2015!

Matthew's goal is to continue with the business after completing his course this summer, with the hope of hiring staff and taking on extra work. This achievement was recognised during the Radio Pembrokeshire Young Achievers Awards where he was presented with the Gold Award as extra special recognition for all that he has achieved to date.

To find out more about the animal care courses available at Pembrokeshire College, go to http://www.pembs.ac.uk/courses">www.pembs.ac.uk/courses