PEOPLE in Rossendale are being urged to support a family fun day and pet show -- or face losing it next year.

The pet show has traditionally been held the day after the Mayor of Rossendale's fun day which was introduced when Coun Lawrence Forshaw was Mayor in 1997.

On that memorable day, Coun Forshaw not only went down the death slide complete with Mayoral chain he also lost his trademark whiskers and beard for charity.

Although the Mayoral fun day has ended, the pet show continues and Rossendale Council's animal warden David East has enlisted the help of Rossendale Town Crier Peter Gill to arrange an even bigger and better event and combine it with the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations.

But he warned: "People must come along on Bank Holiday Monday to Marl Pits in Rawtenstall and support us or the event will not be able to continue.

"At three o'clock in the afternoon we will be holding a short dog walk to raise money for Macmillan Nurses and I am hoping lots of people will come along to support it.

"There will be a prize for the best fancy dress -- dog or owner -- and people can pay a £3 entry fee or collect sponsors on forms available at Pet's Corner, the Town Hall, the Neighbourhood Office or from me.

"We also have a pet show with two categories, cross mongrel classes, and a fun pet show including pedigree and novelty classes.

"We have a fancy dress class, prettiest bitch, best long, curly or wavy coat and most appealing dog.

"We still have more space for charity stalls and anyone who wants to have one can turn up on the day or contact me on 01706 244552."

There will be a classic car rally judged by Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson. Pendle Dog Training and Burnley Dog Rescue will demonstrate their skills and there will be a terrier race.

The event starts at 11am and goes on to 5pm and the rugby club has agreed to open its bar for the duration.

The event marks the start of National Pet Week in Rossendale and Mr East is the North West representative for pet week. Next week he will be visiting local schools to talk to children about responsible pet ownership.