THE beds are changed every day, the rooms have a certain rustic charm and there's 24-hour room service to cater to every whim of the pampered residents.

Rodent's Retreat is Swindon's only hotel for guinea pigs and hamsters represents the height of luxury for its furry denizens.

The exclusive residence, a cosy garden shed in West Swindon, has room for 20 paying guests who share the facilities with the 80 permanent resident guinea pigs and a couple of rabbits.

The venture was launched six years ago by Margaret Hooper, 50, who also is the secretary of the Wiltshire Cavey Club.

The guinea pig mad mum-of-two said: "I have kept guinea pigs for years, and I got into showing them in competitions. I suppose the interest just grew from there.

"I started the hotel because there was a lack of such facilities in the town.

"I know that some pet shops look after people's pets, but if they come here, they get a lot more attention.

"It can be quite hard work and I spend about two hours a day cleaning out the hutches and sorting out the food, but I do enjoy it."

Margaret's husband Barry, a postman by trade, is allergic to rodents and is unable to help out directly with catering to the needs of the residents. But, because Margaret does not drive, it is his responsibility to ferry the weekly food and bedding to their home.

His weekly haul comprises two 20kg bags of mixed food, two bails of hay, three large sacks of carrots and a box of cabbages. Margaret said: "People might think I am daft, but I really enjoy looking after the guinea pigs and taking them to shows. It is no different to showing dogs really, only cheaper."

Daily fees for the rodent hotel are £1.30 for hamsters and £1.60 for a guinea pigs. Discounts are available.

Advice and information on all aspects of caring for Guinea Pigs is also available by calling Margaret Hooper on 497916.