THERE was all the fun of the fair at Turton Tower this Bank Holiday Monday as pampered pooches and their owners gathered for an annual fun dog show.

Set in the grounds of the historic 15th century building, the event has grown in popularity over the six years it has been running and raising funds for the upkeep of the tower.

And this year was no exception, with organisers delighted that bad weather cleared for a sunny afternoon, encouraging dog lovers and their friends to come out in force.

More than 1,000 people piled onto the show field.

In addition to the dog competition, visitors could enjoy watching the May Queen, have a go on the bouncy castle, listen to a brass band and enjoy browsing the stalls and stopping off at the beer tent.

And free shuttle buses were laid on from Turton High School and the Barlow in Edgworth to help ease traffic congestion around the Chapeltown Road tower.

"It was a great afternoon once the rain stopped," said Friends of Turton Tower committee member Richard Bragg.

"As soon as the sun came out things picked up.

"The dog show is always very popular and the dogs were extremely well behaved."

Although numbers of visitors may be slightly down on last year, the organisers hope the event will result in them being able to boost the tower's coffers by more than £2,000.