A huge round of 'a-paws' for the stars of this year's village dog show.
Four-legged friends dressed in their best and their owners spent a fun day at Chetham Farm Retreat in Chapeltown for the fundraising show with proceeds going to Bolton Hospice.
Classes included ‘Most Handsome Dog’ and ‘Best Veteran’.
Mary Stubbs, creative therapist for the hospice, said people had a lot of fun mingling with others, trying food, browsing wares - and of couse supporting the hospice.
She said: “It was a very joyfully received event with the whole community coming together, and some patients attended, and it was well supported by the community at large and the whole atmosphere was buzzing and fun.
“Within my own neighbourhood I have seen people use the services and I know it only exists when people contribute to it.”
Among the stalls were the hospice’s own, glass gifts, plants, candles, doggy bows and treats, and perfume.
Mary said: “A volunteer put on a hospice shop and people were surprised at the stock and because it was chilly, people were buying jumpers and coats.
“I think it was very poignant that one of the banners had a photo of someone who used to live in the area.
“She sadly died, but it brings it home that most of us will know someone that has used the service.”
Bolton Hospice raised around £4,000 on the day and the event itself was free.
She said: “I realise times are hard and people find it difficult, and it is not just about money but seeing people come together and acknowledge that the hospice needs the support, is amazing.
“When you have a fun show, people come and learn what we do and people that do come here, enjoy it.
“Without people we simply do not exist, and you can never underestimate what their worth is.
“We do really need that support from our community.”
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Mary praised the way the people of Bolton reacted to the event, with a resident nearby even offering their driveway for disabled people in attendance.
She said: “We did have people standing at the gates with buckets and the most charming thing is that one of the neighbours who lives opposite kept coming and giving the volunteers bottles of Prosecco.
“And another neighbour offered their driveway to anyone who was disabled.”
Edgeworth Medical Practice, Cardwells Estate Agents, Airpure International, Nam Ploy, Chetham Arms, Create Bolton, Bolton Community College, and Go Walkies, who had a doggy paddling pool on the day, backed the event.
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