KIND hearted customers and staff at an Astley pub have raised £1,200 to pay for a holiday for one of their regulars who is terminally ill.

Arthur Wilcock, 45, of Cranworth Avenue suffers with a brain tumour and has been receiving treatment at Christie Hospital in Manchester.

And to allow Arthur the chance of a much needed holiday away from the trauma of scans and hospital treatment, landlord Kevin Hill, his wife Christine and their regulars at the Miners Arms have organised prize draws and entertainment. Prizes included a soccer ball signed by Manchester United players, one signed by Salford RL Club and a signed photo of Wigan RL Club members.

And the pub even brought in top comedian Bobby Ball who performed free of charge to a packed pub.

Kevin commented: "Arthur has been a regular at the Miners Arms for over 20 years and we all decided to raise money to send him on a good holiday, probably to Benidorm, with his brother and one of his children who will be looking after him.

"We all feel Arthur deserves a holiday after all the treatment he has been receiving at the hospital and he has retained his sense of humour despite everything. We are delighted with the amount of money raised and are very grateful to everyone who donated their time and gifts."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.