BLEAKHOLT Animal Sanctuary volunteers and supporters took off their wellies and donned their gowns for the charity’s 60th anniversary Black Tie Ball.

Gemma Atkinson, Vice President, soap star and animal lover, helped to organise the event.

Gemma compered the evening with Key 103’s Mike Toolan and also sang a number of songs alongside her Emmerdale co-star Michelle Hardwick as ‘The Emmerdolls’, rocking to Alanis Morissette as well as Dolly Parton among others.

Coronation Street’s Catherine Tyldesley also supported the event at the Bolholt Hotel in Bury.

The ball was arranged to raise funds for the Edenfield animal sanctuary which looks after horses, pigs, goats, donkeys for the rest of their lives. It also aims to rehome dogs, cats and small animals.

The sanctuary relies solely on donations and is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year with a host of events.

Miss Atkinson said: “It was a superb evening, we had a lot of fun and we want to thank everyone who supported us.

“It is all about caring for all the animals at the Bleakholt Sanctuary for another 60 years and beyond.”