TOP dog Leah will be taking part in the finals of the RSPCA Dog of the Year after winning the Bolton heat.

Leah, a black and tan silky-haired mongrel won the local heat at the Bolton RSPCA show held at Moss Bank Park.

The judges were looking for the most appealing mongrel and according to Bolton branch secretary Kathy Kay had declared it a "very difficult job".

She said: "The judges said that all 30 entrants could have won because they were all wonderful."

Leah and her owner Elizabeth Counsell will go through to the finals in Surrey.

Other winners at the Bolton show included "the dog with the waggiest tail", Tia, owned by Maria McCluskey, "most obedient dog", Lucy with her owner Liz Whitaker and "the dog the judge would like to take home" which was Tilly, owned by Hannah Leigh.

Standard poodle Brandy, owned by Paula Scattergood, wowed the judges as the most entertaining dog.

Brandy, aged four, proved she had many talents including jumping through a tiny hoop and waving her paw.

Thrilled dog owner, 11-year-old James McKee won second prize in the "cutest puppy" section with his Cavalier King Charles spaniel Tobias.

His mum, Alicea, 29, said the show had been "great fun". She said: "There was a lovely atmosphere and it was very well organised. James was thrilled to win second prize." ENTERTAINING: Brandy (right) won top spot as the most entertaining dog and is pictured with owner Paula Scattergood and German shepherd Zaria Ref: j2466-20 ALL SMILES: James McKee with Tobias