A popular reptile weigh-in event is returning to Bury this weekend offering free health checks for pets.

For the past 35 years, The Northern Region of the British Chelonia Group (BCG) has been holding the event for anyone who needs advice or wants their pet to have a free examination.

The event is organised by John Thorpe who is the chairman for the BCG.

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The event which happens twice a year, will take place on Saturday, May 25 at the United Reformed Church on Parsons Lane in Bury from 10am to 4pm.

John said: “The purpose is to give owners the information which will help them to keep their animals healthy and happy, and as part of this, we check their weight and size.

“The event, which has been held for over 35 years, is a free public service event to assist owners to give their pets the best possible care, and all information and advice is absolutely free.

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“We hope to have the services of veterinary surgeon Vince Wager of Valley Vets in Rochdale and are grateful to him and to the church's officials for the use of the premises.”

The weigh-in used to take place at Wilkinson’s on The Rock before it closed down last year.

Past events have seen more than 60 people come to get their pets health checked.

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John is not a trained vet however has a wealth of knowledge from the past 35 years of experience.

Anything that he isn’t familiar with, the vet can pick up on.

Pets owners are reminded to keep their animals warm and protected in transit and to not let them mix with other animals on the day to avoid the risk of transferring diseases.