BURY became the magnet for Bonsai lovers from across the UK and overseas when the town staged a two-day event devoted to the popular Japanese art form.

Around 1,200 people flocked to the Castle Armoury last Saturday and Sunday for Bonsai Europa 2015, organised by Ramsbottom businessman Tony Tickle, a Bonsai crafter and exhibition judge.

Attractions included 125 Bonsai from across Europe, more than 30 European traders, live demonstrations, Bonsai artists from 10 countries, free children's workshops and Bonsai clinic.

The star of the event was a 300-year-old Bonsai from Japan which had its own bodyguard. The art form involves pruning miniature trees to give them a unique appearance.

In the 12 months leading up to the exhibition, Mr Tickle had travelled throughout Europe, meeting Bonsai artists, clubs and traders and he said support for the event had been "superb."

He said: "It was a roaring success. A lot of folk told me it was by far the best that has ever taken place in Britain. We had three giant Chinese balloons over the Castle Armoury which could be seen for miles around."

Among the foreign visitors were a father and son from Finland. They flew into Manchester, took a taxi to Bury and attended the event for five hours before making their way back home.

"They said it was the best show by far they had ever attended," added Mr Tickle.

Many visitors also took in other attractions and visited the East Lancashire Railway, Bury Market, a cycle race in Ramsbottom and other locations.

The Bonsai Europa event will be return to Bury in 2017.

Added Mr Tickle: "I think we are re-establishing UK Bonsai and we're getting back on the European and international scene. I'm extremely pleased that the people of Bury are supporting us and I'm quite excited about doing it all again."