A CHARITY has celebrated its 195th birthday in style as crowds turned up to its first family fun day.

The RSPCA Wrexham District and Deeside Branch held their first One Fun Day at Alyn Waters Country Park on June 16, which saw families attend with their beloved pooches.

Attendees enjoyed a day of stalls, food and drink, face painting, crafts, entertainment and the chance to be crowned the winner in the first ever nationwide Ponycycle Championships.

Dylan Evans, organiser, told the Leader that despite the poor weather conditions, the event was a huge success.

He said: "Today has been a huge success and it's been great to see so many people come and show their support.

"I'm proud to have organised this Fun Day and been one of the pilot areas to arrange such an event and I look forward to it becoming an annual thing.

"A massive thank you to Friends of Alyn Waters who have helped us and Jan Sladen, manager of the mobile clinic and Carl Lloyd branch support specialist.

"Also a massive thank you to all of our volunteers and people who turned up on the day, without them, none of this would have been possible really.

"We were a little apprehensive because of the weather, you just don't know what to expect, but it all went well despite the few showers we did have.

"The RSPCA helps so many animals in need on a daily basis and events like this shows we have the community's support."

The One Fun Day took place simultaneously at 20 RSPCA centres and branches across England and Wales on the charity’s 195th birthday and aimed to show people what the charity does in their local area as well as raise funds to continue their vital work.

The dog show, which started at 12.30 saw pups battle it out to be crowed various title, including 'Dog most like dad' and 'Best Paw Shaker'.

MP Ian Lucas was also a special guest and hosted the award ceremony.

He said: "It has been huge fun and there's loads of beautiful dogs. It has been lovely to see everyone having a wonderful day.

"They (RSPCA) are going to be opening up a new facility in Caia, at the Pentre Gwyn community in about a month so the funds raised here today will help with that service."

Wife Norah added: "We've been told that it's becoming an increasing problem and people having animals and can't afford to be giving them the treatment they need, and this facility will be able to help with that."