THE cream of strawberry fairs took place at Ilse and Bob Splaine's Atherton home.

Over the past seven years Bob and Ilse have raised £6,660 for The Christie Hospital fight against cancer in gratitude for treatment Ilse received 11 years ago.

This year they broke all records attracting 350 guests who ate their way through 280lbs of delicious fruit, raising £1,660 towards the Manchester cancer centre's £25m centenary appeal.

Mini mountains of punnets didn't last long. This year's event was so big it overflowed into Gary and Iris Myerscough's property next door to the Splaines in Cumberland Road.

And within half an hour of Leigh Police Supt. Malcolm Howells opening the event the strawberries and expert cook Ilse's flan tarts and gateaux had all gone.

Now the Splaines are planning a millennium fair.

"Maybe we should aim for £2,000," said Bob, pictured alongside Ilse (second left) handing a cheque to Christie appeals officer Jacky Plant watched by Bob's brother Derek and his wife Marjorie. NON

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