TAILS were set wagging and rosettes were given out by the bucket load as Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary held its annual dog show.

Hundreds of pooches and their excited owners flocked to the Edenfield sanctuary on Sunday, to take part in a range of competitions, from prettiest pup to best in show.

There was even a chance to watch the unveiling of six brand new play gardens complete with exercise equipment which will provide fun for all the dogs.

Sanctuary manager, Karen Weed, said: "We've got loads going on today and so far the turnout has been amazing, in fact, I think it's the best we've ever had.

"We've got loads of competitions, there's food, drink and stalls for children, and any money raised will obviously go towards helping to keep the sanctuary running.

"We've also officially opened our new play gardens today, which we were able to build thanks to a £100,000 grant from Support Adoption for Pets, so that's been special too."

Abby Batika's dog, Bella, won first place in the gorgeous girl category, and Ms Batika, from Bolton, who also has two French bulldog cross pocket bullies called Tiny and Tofu, said the sanctuary is a great place and the dog show one of the highlights of the year.

She said: "I've been here a lot of times in the past, and I actually rescue dogs myself.

"Places like this are so important as some people don't have anywhere for their dogs to go should they need rehoming."

Dog owners, Jane and Trish, with Sam and Toby, had brought their labradors along to the show too, with Buddy, who is seven, taking second place in the fabulous fella competition.

Jane, from Bury, said: "It's our first time coming to the dog show and entering the competition and it's been a really fun day.

"Toby did a kids Ironman to raise money for Bleakholt because the work they do here is amazing."