A STICK insect, rat, ferret and tarantula put in an appearance at the first pet show to be held in Weir, Rossendale. Children and adults turned out in force to support the venture, which raised £160 for the National Cystic Fibrosis charity.

Julie Cunliffe, of Old Clough Stables, off Burnley Road, organised the event and distributed leaflets to local households to attract entries. More than 150 people turned up with pets of all shapes and sizes for the sensible and silly classes, including fancy dress and waggiest tail.

Julie said: "We have a girl aged seven who rides here, Nansi Pallavus, from Constablelee, and she suffers from cystic fibrosis, so we decided to hold the event to raise money for the charity.

"I didn't publicise it too widely because I didn't want to end up like the Royal Lancashire Show! But for a first event I was delighted with the number of people who came along and the variety of pets."

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