SCORES of animal lovers turned up to an event at a Breightmet pub in memory of two horses killed by arsonists.

Friends of Sam Brierley organised the event at the Mosley Arms, in Red Lane, to raise cash for a memorial plaque for her horses, General and Penny, who died when the wooden building where they were stabled was engulfed in flames.

Police are still investigating the blaze at the wooden building off Hathaway Drive, Astley Bridge, but hopes are fading the culprits will be caught.

However, the horse community around Bolton has rallied round Ms Brierley and her partner, John Knowles, who are still grief-stricken by the tragedy.

The event at the Mosley included a tombola, a raffle, face painting, arts and crafts, a bouncy castle, cake stalls, car boot items and a plant stall.

It was organised by Ms Brierley’s friend Chaz Hawkins and Susan Hornby, who both stable horses at Ainsworth Dairy Farm.

Mrs Hawkins said: “The entire horse community in Bolton has been horrified by what happened to General and Penny.

“We are doing whatever we can to raise money for horse welfare and for a plaque in memory of Sam’s lovely horses. We only wish the police could catch the people who committed such a dreadful act.”