Christmas came early for clients of mental health group Making Space.

They enjoyed a "Christmas in July" party at the centre in Parsons Lane, Bury last Thursday.

And volunteers who raised more than £500 from a sponsored walk around Burrs Country Park were presented with certificates by Santa and Lorraine Rowley, acting mental health administrator at Fairfield Hospital.

Lily Reid, organiser of Making Space, said that the party, now in its fourth year, was the best yet.

She explained that such parties were important in keeping people interested in events and therefore improving their quality of life.