AN awareness day — held in memory of teenager Jade Lomas-Anderson — has been hailed a huge success.

Almost 250 dog owners took their pets along to Pennington Flash in Leigh.

The event was organised as part of Jade’s Campaign, which aims to cut the risk of dog attacks.

During the event, 34 dogs were micro-chipped and 195 dog owners were given expert advice on how to take care of, and control, their pets.

Donna Hall, chief executive of Wigan Council, said: “This is a major campaign for the council and we plan to hold a series of community events across Wigan Borough over the coming months.

“We are committed to working with Jade’s family to raise awareness of this issue and to do all we can to encourage people to care for their dogs responsibly.”

Jade, from Atherton, was mauled to death by a pack of dogs while she was at a friend’s house in March. She was aged 14. Jade’s Campaign is backed by Jade’s family, and run by Wigan Council, Wigan and Leigh Housing, Greater Manchester Police and dog welfare charity Blue Cross.

It was was launched in September with an awareness event in Atherton.

Since Jade’s death, her mum Shirley Anderson and step-dad Michael have led a high-profile campaign calling for tougher sentences for owners whose dogs attack people.

They have been calling for a change in the law to tighten up the rules governing irresponsible dog owners.

The issue has been raised in the House of Commons by Bolton West MP Julie Hilling.