BLEAKHOLT animal sanctuary which has been closed for much of the year because of the foot and mouth crisis reopened yesterday with a Christmas party.

The sanctuary in Turn village, Rossendale, is one of the largest in the North West, and yesterday attracted almost 1,000 visitors.

The farm and stable area has re-opened for the first time since the foot and mouth outbreak although the cats and dogs section has been operating for the past few weeks.

The sanctuary has almost 600 animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, ponies, donkeys and horses and on the farm, pigs, sheep, goats and cattle as well as fowl and pigeons.

The H and M Dog Display Team of Liverpool attended but were unable to put on a their performance because the ground was so wet.

"They don't call this Bleakholt for nothing," commented manager Neil Martin.

The team has made many appearances at Crufts and has been award top prize on Esther Rantzen's Hearts of Gold.

One of the most popular guests was Janet Morgan of Todmorden whose healing hands have helped many pets and their owners.