RESCUED pets were the stars of the show at Moss Bank Park over the weekend - just to prove that every dog has its day.

Dogs which were once abandoned or badly treated enjoyed the attention of hundreds of spectators at the RSPCA's annual Doggie Mixtures show.

Every dog taking part in Sunday's heat had been rescued after being abandoned.

And in a noisy atmosphere, they competed in a wealth of wacky categories.

The excitable hounds vied for titles such as "Waggiest Tail", "Most Talented Dog", and "Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home", as well as a "Simon Says" obedience category.

The most prestigious title of "Bolton Rescue Dog of the Year" was scooped by Winky the Collie-cross, owned by Steven Royle, of Halliwell. The two-year-old dog had been rescued after someone had stubbed out a cigarette in his eye.

Winky was left with permanent damage to the eye, hence his name.

But now he will go forward to the RSPCA's national finals, to be held at the charity's Millbrook Animal Centre in Surrey, in September.

Perhaps the most entertaining event of the day was the "Retrieve the Sausage" contest, in which competitors were encouraged to retrieve a meaty snack thrown by their owner. Predictably, 90 per cent of the animals were unable to resist temptation - and gobbled down the sausage before returning to their master.

There was also a talent contest, in which 10-year-old Spike, owned by Paula Tyerman of Little Lever, walked on his back legs and performed rolls on command.

Julie Ashcroft, animal welfare advisor for the RSPCA, said: "The event was great this year, with more dogs competing than usual.

"To hear the stories and circumstances of each rescue dog and to see what each owner has done for their pet is fantastic.

"This was particularly so in the case of Winky, who was treated absolutely horrendously.

"These animals are now loved and appreciated as they should be and deserve plenty of attention in events like this."

Most Handsome Male Dog - Woody belonging to Cara Swanick (Bolton)

Most Feminine Bitch - Nina - owned by Les Murray (Bury)

The Waggiest Tail - Sam - owned by Amy Bannister (Horwich)

Most Entertaining - Spike - belonging to Paula Tyerman (Bolton)

Cutest Puppy - Acer - owned by Maria McClusky (Stoneclough)

Best Veteran - Mindy - owned by N Hornsby (Bolton)

Most Obedient- Max - belonging to L Flannigan (Bolton)

Retrieve a Sausage - Wilson - owned by Mrs Haslam (Bolton)

Best Rescued Dog Bolton Heat Winner of "Dog of the Year" -Winky -owned by Steven Royle (Bolton)

A Second Chance -Bo - owned by Carl Townson (Ramsbottom)

"Simon Says ........" Kaleb -belonging to Jamie Greenwood (Bury)

Best Crossbreed ("The Jan Lewis Memorial

Trophy") Mindy - N Hornsby (Bolton)

Best Pedigree- Shandy - A Astbury (Oldham)

"My Dog Looks Like ........." Pippin - P Chappell (Bolton)

The Dog the Judge Would like to Take

Home - Max - T Fletcher(Bolton)