ANIMAL-lovers and their four-legged friends were out in force to support a charity dog show in Bolton.

Hundreds of people turned up to the annual RSPCA Dog Show at Moses Gate Country Park yesterday.

Organiser Julie Ashcroft, Bolton branch manager for the RSPCA, said the show had been an amazing success.

She said: “117 dogs took part. It’s been absolutely amazing. We’ve had so much super support from different charities and families coming along with their dogs. I couldn’t ask for a better turn out really and thankfully it’s not rained.

“This year is more successful than last year because we’ve had a lot more applicants and we’ve had so much support from companies and vets.

“We’ve seen so many rescued dogs here today, it’s absolutely great.”

Best Veteran winner Milo, also came second in the Best Rescued dog and Overall Champion class.

Milo’s owner, Barbara Healey, aged 64, of Ettington Close, in Bury, said: “I’m absolutely delighted, I saw a leaflet at Beech House Surgery in Farnworth, about the dog show and thought why not pop down to see what it’s all about. I never expected Milo to win anything, it’s brilliant.

“My niece, Elizabeth Ynez Tulsen actually rescued him in Mexico in 2012 after seeing him on the streets, he was thin and had ticks and fleas and was in a really bad condition. He couldn’t have won today without Elizabeth and she will be thrilled once she finds out.”

Ms Healey took ownership of Milo in November 2013 after he travelled to England with Ms Ynez Tulsen, and has lived with her ever since.

Classes included Cutest Puppy, Best Rescued, Musical Sit, Best Crossbreed, The Dog the Judge Would Like to Bring Home and Overall Champion.

Two-year-old crossbreed Marmite took home the title of the Best Rescued dog after being judged by Crocodile Joe, of Crocodile Joe’s Wild World, and former Bolton branch manager Catherine Kaye.

The Best Rescued dog class had more than 40 entries and Crocodile Joe, who also sponsors the event, said: “All the dogs we judged were amazing and have all come through such ordeals.

“The winner, Marmite, had been brought over from Europe and had such an emotional story.

“The dog was dumped in a bin and is now with a loving owner here.

“It had such a lovely face, it was glowing, it jumped up when it was called winner.”

The RSPCA Dog Show raises around £2,000 for the RSPCA each year.