PUNTERS at the Bob Smithy pub in Bolton do not need much of an excuse to dress up and the famous Cheltenham Cop Cup gave them the opportunity to dust off their glad rags.

The posh frocks and hats came out of the wardrobe for the seventh year as the regulars got into the racing spirit and raised more than £3,000 for Bolton Hospice.

The event has become a favourite on landlord Stewart Brookes and his wife Lorraine's calendar.

This year more than 120 people crowded in to the Chorley Old Road pub to watch the event as well as other races from the festival.

Mr Brookes said: "It was great, although I was so busy I did not have time to put a bet on myself."

The couple have supported the hospice since it was built, they sponsored one of its first bricks 19 years ago.