Hundreds of people have paid tribute to a much-loved farm dog who brought joy to many at a popular family attraction in Bolton.

Baxter the 10-year-old German Shepherd was well-known to visitors to Smithills Open Farm.

Farm bosses say they are 'heartbroken' after he was put to sleep on Thursday when 'old age finally got the better of him'.

A Facebook post about Baxter has received over 1,000 comments, with many paying tribute to the 'good boy'.

Owner Carl Grimshaw said: “It amazed me how many people knew him and loved him and we didn’t expect the response we got on Facebook.

“It’s heartwarming and overwhelming to see that everybody thought a lot of him. He was a big character and it means a lot to us that everyone is missing him too.”

Baxter joined the Grimshaw family as their farm dog and pet as a puppy.

Boss, another German Shepherd, joined the family in 2017 after Baxter had a suspected stroke.

Carl said: “We knew that if anything terrible happened to Baxter we would need another farm dog to help.

“He was such a good dog we knew we needed to get another so he could train them to be as good as he was.

“Everyone loves Boss as well, he’s still a big puppy at heart but Baxter taught him very well."

Boss has just turned two and has now taken over Baxter’s duties on the farm. The family also have a third dog, an 11-year-old Border Collie called Lady.

Carl said: “We still can’t believe it, things just won’t be the same without him around the farm.

"It just shows how the big beautiful boy had such an impact on people’s lives. It’s been a bit of a bad week honestly, it feels awful but we’re trying to stay smiling. Seeing these posts makes it much better.”

One visitor wrote: "Oh my days this is so sad. I used to look for him every time I came to the farm. A true gentle dog."

Another added: "So sorry to hear this. Feel as though my kids grew up with him too. Always a friendly dog when we visited. He will be sadly missed."

Another visitor said: "Absolutely devastated. Baxter was such a beautiful dog."

The farm started welcoming members of the public in 2001 and people can visit every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.