THE League of Friends of Bealeys Community Hospital certainly lived up to its name on Saturday (Aug 4) by raising £1,400 for the Dumers Lane establishment.

Its annual garden fete was officially opened by the deputy mayor of Bury, Councillor William Johnson who was accompanied by his wife, Joyce.

It was the first fete to be overseen by the League's new president Mr Bob Casey. Mr Casey has been a member for eight years and replaced former president Mr Herbert Kay who died last year.

A tombola, a fortune teller, and book, plant and cake stalls all helped to attract the masses. There was entertainment from Radcliffe and Prestwich Brass Band and Radcliffe Moriscos morris dancing troupe.

The value of the League's work is best demonstrated by the fact that it has already bought £6,800 worth of items this year to improve the hospital, which specialises in elderly care.

This money has come from generous donations and fund-raising events and has been used to buy a specialist multi-position bed, curtains, bed alarms, a patio and pay for redecoration of the dining room, among other things.