HUNDREDS of red roses have been blossoming across the borough to help raise much-needed cash for Bury Hospice.

Generous fund-raisers have been painting the town red with the flowers as part of the annual Red Rose Festival.

The popular event has grown since it was launched on St George's Day six years ago and organisers are hoping the success will continue to help them raise £30,000, just under a month's running cost for the hospice.

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor John Costello, officially launched the month-long festival by accepting the first of thousands of red roses which went on sale last week.

The roses will be sold throughout the festival at the Mill Gate Shopping Centre and hundreds of shops and supermarkets to ensure the borough is awash with red. Firm favourites for the forthcoming week include the highlight of the festival the Red Rose Ball, as well as a brass band concert, and a coffee morning.

Mrs Margaret Robinson, fund-raising co-ordinator, said: "The whole idea started on St George's Day to raise money. It grew into a week and then a festival running for the whole of April."

She added: "Everyone takes part and has a wonderful time and we hope it will continue for our millennium festival."

Festival dates .

Saturday April 15: Red Rose Ball, Longfield Suite, Prestwich, 7pm. Tickets £22.50.

Wednesday April 19: Mayor's coffee morning, Elizabethan Suite, Bury, 10am to 4pm, tickets £1.

Wednesday April 19: Brass band concert, Radcliffe Civic Suite, 7.30pm, tickets £5.

All enquires to Bury Hospice fund-raising office on 797 1748.