A GOLDEN wedding party became doubly special when guests helped raise money for charity.

Jeff and Mary Godwin asked family and friends to give to the Christie Hospital, Manchester, rather than buy presents. And the 130 guests at Highfield Working Men's Club, Darwen, came up with £700.

Mary, 71, of Sudell Road, Darwen, said she was amazed by the generosity and wanted to say thank you to all concerned.

"I didn't think I would get that much. I would just like to thank all my family and friends for the generous donations," she said.

Mrs Godwin received treatment for ovarian cancer at the hospital last year.