Everyone knows bad diet and lack of exercise is causing obesity across the country. But it's not just people who are suffering from poor levels of fitness.

Jollyes Petfoood Superstore in Banbridge is hosting a free "healthy pet day" at which owners can have their cats, dogs, rabbits and guinea pigs checked for health and fitness and get nutritional advice from a leading pet food expert.

Furthermore, a qualified pet behaviourist will also be on hand to offer tips on training your pet and visitors will be able to have their pets micro-chipped at a small cost for safety and security.

Nick Pollard, Director of Jollyes, said: "We recognise that pet obesity and lack of health advice is a growing problem in this country and we are committed to offering the best advice to ensure our pets are cared for in the best way possible. We would encourage anyone with a pet to take advantage of this great opportunity to have it examined free of charge by experienced veterinary and nutritional experts."

The healthy pet day takes place in-store between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 9th June. The first 100 visitors to bring in their pets after the event starts will receive goody bags containing pet feeds and healthy treats and visitors will be able to see a real racing Husky dog team! Jollyes will also be offering a great pet related competition prize to be won on the day.

Royal Canin will be providing the nutritional advice and a veterinary nurse from local Better Pets Veterinary Centre will carry out basic health checks. Animal behaviourist, Keith Matthews is providing the pet behavioural advice and Burgess is supplying the rabbit and guinea pig goodies.

Olga Gibbs of Royal Canin, said: "We fully support Jollyes in raising the awareness of pet health and we are looking forward to providing as many pet owners as possible with advice on nutrition. It is very important that owners understand the correct diet for their pets.