THE sun was shining on Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary as staff raised thousands of pounds at their October open day.

The family friendly event attracted hundreds of guests as they raised nearly £9,000 for the Edenfield sanctuary.

In addition to the horses, ponies, pigs, donkeys and hens that live there, there was a visit from The Owls Trust who brought their birds of prey for everyone to admire.

Visitors also got the chance to see the many dogs, cats and small animals that need rehoming.

There was plenty going on for children too with a bouncy castle, slides and a balloon modeller.

Operations manager Stuart Murray: “We were very pleased that so many people came to the open day and enjoyed the fine weather. The event raised several thousand pounds, all of which will go to support the animals at the sanctuary.”

Many dogs who had previously been rehomed returned to visit at the open day.

Some of the pets even enjoyed the Dog Agility Centre which was opened in April at the centre by sanctuary vice president Gemma Atkinson.

It enabled the sanctuary to extend their dog training programmes and was opened up at the event to give visitors the opportunity to test their own dog’s agility and have some fun.

To celebrate the last of the summer sunshine there was a barbecue to keep everyone full in addition to the regular on site cafe and a hot dog stall.

The sanctuary holds open days for funds to keep it going.

The open day came after the official opening of the charity’s second shop which was opened by Gemma and Mayor Cllr Mike Connolly in Bury in September.

The shop in Mill Gate shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm.