THE annual Christmas Cracker event organised by the Colne and Nelson Fundraising Group raised around £1,000 for the Pendleside Hospice.

Held at the Colne Golf Club for the second year running, the event featured cake and bric-a-brac stalls, a tombola and raffle, Christmas cards and gifts.

Small books of poetry entitled a Pocketful of Poems, written by local woman Renee Blackburn, were also on sale with proceeds for the hospice.

Chairman of the group Pat Beale said: "It was a very good day and we raised a lot of money.

"Renee Blackburn gave me about 36 of her poems which I had published in a small book and I had each one sponsored so that we didn't have to pay for printing. They are quite handy as a stocking filler."

The books are available from the hospice and other shops in Nelson and Colne, priced at £2.

Anyone who is able to sell some of the books on behalf of the group should contact Pat Beale on 01282 864096.