It’s time to launch our Swindon Advertiser Christmas Pet Idol 2009 competition. We’re in search of the area’s cutest and most lovable Christmas pet. Petshed Ltd in Hay Lane, Wroughton are supplying us with the prize – £80 worth of vouchers for the winner.

Pets seem to instinctively know that Christmas is a special time of year.

At PetShed, they have a comprehensive range of gift items starting at 99p, so any pet, from the smallest mouse to the largest dog, can join in the present opening. From traditional stockings, gift boxes and tasty snacks, up to luxury gift packs and cute cuddly toys, there really is something for everyone. Perhaps you might want to treat your pet to a new coat or bed. They have lots of choice in store, with new items arriving all the time.

Please do remember that even though your pet will gleefully consume huge amounts of fancy human chocolates and sweet treats, these are very bad for their health. There are plenty of pet-friendly alternatives for them to enjoy.

New this year at PetShed are Gift Certificates for those ‘difficult to buy for’ friends and relatives. Available from £10, these can be an ideal gift for those with a passion for their pet or those who take pleasure in feeding our wildlife friends.

As always, PetShed has some of the best prices in Wiltshire on essential foods, remedies and general accessories.

PetShed is situated at Blooms Garden Centre, Hay Lane, Wroughton, Swindon, SN4 9QT. Tel: 01793 840300 or 853724.

To enter Christmas Pet Idol, all you have to do is send us a photograph of your pet looking festive, with the pet’s name and your name and address and contact number. All entries will appear in our supplement on Tuesday, December 15 and our readers will be able to vote for their favourite Christmas pet.