HUNDREDS of dog owners with their four-legged friends came to Moses Gate Country Park yesterday in support of an animal charity.

The Bolton branch of the RSPCA was hosting its annual ‘Doggy Mixtures’ dog show, giving puppies, mix-breeds and rescues the chance to show they were leaders of the pack.

Julie Ashcroft, branch manager, said the show, which raises approximately £2,000 for the charity every year, allows it to carry out vital work in the community.

The RSPCA in Bolton currently runs clinics for pets whose owners are pensioners, on benefits, or vulnerable people.

She added: “It is a vital part of our fundraising, but also a really nice day out for everyone.

“The reaction from the public we get and their support is phenomenal.

“I have been doing this for 15 years and it has definitely got bigger year-on-year.

“It is also a very good way for dogs to socialise and they are all so well behaved — they are all a credit to their owners.”

Laura Trunkwald, aged 23, from Bolton, was visiting the show with her family who come every year.

Ms Trunkwald, who owns nine year-old Sox, a Labrador/Staffie cross said: “It’s a nice day out and brings dog owners together, and of course it’s for a really important cause.

“It also helps people to understand different breeds — people can see mastiff types and Staffies and realise that they are lovely dogs, it’s not about the dog, it’s about the owner.”

Classes included: cutest puppy; best rescued; musical sit; best crossbreed; the dog the judge would like to take home and overall champion.

Winner of the cutest puppy class was Daisy, a four-month-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel.

Owner Tatiana Danilova, aged 38, from Horwich, said: “I am very pleased she has been crowned the cutest. She can be a bit of a nightmare in the house, eating and chewing, but she is getting better now.” The RSPCA’s Bolton advice centre is in Vernon Street. For more information call 01204 521160