Mrs Dorothy Maden and (left) 11-year-old Toni Richards of Harwood and her cousin Fraser Richards, aged seven, of Tonge Moor make friends with Maisie, a cross pot bellied pig at the Pets in Need garden party

A GARDEN party in aid of a Tottington-based pets charity proved to be just animal magic.

More than 450 visitors attended the event staged by Pets in Need at its sanctuary at Reynard's Bank, Turton Road on Sunday.

And officials are delighted with the success of the garden party, which has become a popular annual activity. In fact, the stalls raised £3,362, the raffle £1,584 and £155 came in donations.

The total raised on the day was £5,100, a record for the event.

Organisers passed on a special thank-you to the Bolton Destitute Animal Shelter for their help on the day and to a mass of other people who made the event a success.

Visitors were able to make friends with more than 50 animals cared for by Pets in Need and view a number of attractions.

These included various stalls selling a variety of goods, a barbecue, auction and dog show. Best in show was a black mongrel Sofie, owned by Mr and Mrs Cooke of Bury.

Pets in Need was established 10 years ago by founder Mrs Dorothy Maden and has grown from strength to strength.

Run by a 12-strong committee, and backed by numerous volunteer helpers, the charity's aim is to relieve the suffering of animals who are in need of care and attention.

Pets in Need provide facilities and care for unwanted animals as well as treatment for those who are sick and ill-treated.

Among the animals are donkeys, ponies, sheep, goats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hens, dogs, cats and ducks. The charity stresses it tries never to turn any animal away.

Dogs and cats are usually housed in caring foster homes, many more of which are required. Pets in Need also help towards the payment of veterinary costs for people who are unable to afford them.

"In order to keep up our work, we have a sponsorship scheme where people can sponsor any of our sanctuary animals for any period of time," said Mrs Maden.

"We are driven by a dedicated team of volunteers who, against all odds, have been able to re-home many animals and relieve others from pain and suffering."

Anyone who can support the charity, or provide small donations, should contact Mrs Maden on 01204-883846.