YOUNGSTERS at a children's hospice will benefit from the wit of talented dialect poet Jim Atherton.

The 74-year-old and his wife Edna, 71, have been selling leaflets featuring his work to raise money for Derian House.

The couple, of Waterfield Avenue, Darwen, asked for donations instead of gifts during their recent golden wedding celebrations to boost the total.

Their efforts have netted £1,100. A similar donation was also presented to the hospice last year.

Pictured with Jim and Edna is (centre) Ian Minton, Derian House field officer.

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