THE royal wedding is causing a welcome headache for a Devon firm.

Mother of two Lynda Hardacre, a former pupil of Queen Elizabeth School, Crediton, runs Barking Mad, near Exeter, which arranges for dogs whose owners are away on holiday to stay with families who can provide what they are used to.

It has proven a great success, but with plenty of people planning trips away during extended holidays for Easter and the May bank holiday, thanks to the nuptials of William and Kate, she is getting more bookings than she can manage.

She said: "Many people are taking advantage and going on holiday or long weekends, and we are being asked to look after their dogs but I need more hosts.

"It's a real royal wedding dilemma and I need to find a way to rustle up more hosts as quickly as possible.

"Hosts need to be at home during the day, have a dog-proof garden and a real love of everything canine.

"It suits an active retired person who has found themselves dogless and don't feel ready or able to commit to getting another dog of their own."

Lynda works out dogs' individual needs, and when their owners go away overnight, Lynda delivers them to a suitable home somewhere in the East Devon countryside.

She said: "They stay with families that maintain the dogs' daily routines – even down to the sleeping arrangements."

If you think you can help, call 07845 947521.