CAT and dog owners can take advantage of a free pet sitting service.

Leigh, Tyldesley and Atherton are among towns chosen to pilot Britain's first pet care swapping website, PetSitterSwap.com which puts trusted pet owners in touch with each other.

No fees are paid for any pet minding session and no pet sitter agencies are involved.

It can be used by owners of all pets when they go on holiday, for an evening out or a weekend away,

PetSitterSwap members must be over 18, and have no convictions for any offences against any animal.