THE borough bloomed at the weekend as Bury Hospice's main fund-raising fortnight swung into action.

Thousands of pounds have already been raised for the hospice which cares for the terminally ill in Bury. And organisers say they are right on track to hit their £30,000 target.

The massive fund-raiser was launched in a blaze of colour last Friday when hundreds of red roses went on sale throughout the borough.

On Saturday night, more than 200 people packed into the Longfield Suite in Prestwich for the Red Rose Ball dinner dance. More than £700 was raised from a raffle and auction on the night and a cheque for £500 was presented to hospice officials from staff at the Longfield Suite.

Bury Hospice fund-raising organiser, Mrs Margaret Robinson said: "So far everything has gone marvellously. We are absolutely delighted, and hope that the remainder of the Red Rose Fortnight will be just as successful."

On Monday, 18 teams battled it out in the bowling alley for a ten-pin bowling competition at Megabowl, Pilsworth.

The close contest was won by Bury Taxis, who scored 789 points, followed by The White Lion Hotel with 764, and just one point behind were the team from the Post Office, First Class Males, with 763.

Best team name went to Bury Golf Club, with Four Play and Two Odd Balls, and the joint winners in the fancy dress competition was the team from Kay Guise Hairdressers, the scissor shop strikers, who came as Edward Scissor hands, and the Bury Hospice nurses - alias the Red Nose Six Pins who dressed as clowns.

More than £800 was raised on the night and the money is still coming in.

Also this week was a coffee day organised by the Brandlesholme Ladies Group, a coffee morning and bring and buy sale at Bury Town Hall and a "Last Night of the Proms" Concert, also a the town hall. Yesterday (Thursday) Bury Golf Club hosted an all-day charity golf match.

Bury Hospice fund-raising organiser, Mrs Margaret Robinson said: "So far everything has gone marvellously. We are absolutely delighted, and hope that the remainder of the Red Rose Fortnight will be just as successful."

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