A DEVOTED bride tossed tradition aside on her wedding day when she raffled her bloomin' gorgeous bouquet.

And the lucky winner who came up roses was a man -- her father-in-law.

Fundraising officer Helen Stansfield, 23, just couldn't miss the opportunity to raise money for the good cause she works for -- even on her big day.

And instead of throwing her bouquet among the wedding guests in the time-honoured way she opted for charity flower power.

Helen raffled her flowers to invited guests and raised £180 for the Sue Ryder Care Centre, based at Cuerden Hall, Bamber Bridge, before jetting off to Cyprus on honeymoon with husband Matt.

Said Helen: "The idea started off as a joke between myself and two colleagues.

"Someone suggested having a collecting tin as I went down the aisle or selling tickets for the event, but then very quickly it became more than just a joke, and something that I really really wanted to do.

"I guess it's the fundraiser in me."

Helen's father-in-law, Ron Jocelyn, who had travelled from Buckinghamshire, was the lucky winner -- taking home a bouquet of cream roses.

Helen, of Edge End Avenue, Brierfield, has worked at the Sue Ryder centre for just over a year. The centre helps to care for victims of life-threatening conditions and chronic illnesses like cancer and multiple sclerosis. It offers both long and short-term care for people aged between 18 and 65.

She said: "I'm very lucky to have a job I love, with a charity whose work I really believe in.

"I couldn't think of a better way to mark our special day than to do a little something to help all of the people at Cuerden Hall, who I care so much about."

Cuerden Hall needs £1.25million a year to survive. For more information about the care centre call 01772 627374.