FRIENDS of the owners of two horses killed in an arson attack took part in a walk to raise funds for a memorial plaque in their honour.

Ali G, Barbie and an oompa lumpa were among the group of more than 20 people in fancy dress who walked for almost five hours around Breightmet and Darcy Lever collecting cash.

Horse, General, and pony, Penny, were killed after they were trapped inside stables off Hathaway Drive, Astley Bridge, when they were deliberately set on fire two weeks ago.

Jenny Brierley, the sister of the horses’ owner, Sam Brierly, said she is ‘heartbroken’ by their deaths.

The 33-year-old added: “We’re trying to raise money for Sam and her family to buy a memorial when she’s ready.

“One thing she’s thinking is a shadow box, where you can put things that remind you of them. Sam’s kept a shoe and a horse collar.

“We’ve gone into the bingo hall, Morrisons, various pubs to collect money — traffic slowed right down on Bury Road as people gave us money.

“Hopefully we’ve raised a few hundred pounds, there’s still quite a few charity buckets in other places.”

Petrol and firelighters were found at the scene of the blaze, and it is understood the fire was started in several places.

The stables were owned by David Davies, who told Bolton News reporters at the time he was ‘horrified’ by the incident.

No arrests have been made in connection with the arson attack.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call police on 0161 856 5772 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.