PALS played pool for 12 hours to raise money to thank the children's wards at Burnley General Hospital for saving Paul Howard's nephew's life.

Cameron Howard, of Padiham, was struck by the potentially life-threatening virus meningitis just after Christmas.

He was initially treated at Burnley General, but had to be transferred to St James' Hospital, Leeds, where he was brought back from the brink of death twice.

Cameron is now a happy and healthy two year old who, fortunately, remembers nothing of his brave battle.

To thank the hospital and aid research into meningitis, his mum Catherine, grandma Janet Dale and the family have organised a series of fund-raisers.

Paul, 18, of Burns Street, Padiham, and friends Dale Markham, 18, David Nugent, 16, and Brenan Norney, 17, played 135 games of pool over an exhausting 12-hour period at the Victoria Hotel in Padiham.

Through sponsorship they raised £350 and there is still money to come from a raffle and a collection on the bar.

Tickets are now on sale for the next fund-raiser on Easter Monday which will be a charity cabaret night at the Guy Fold Club in Padiham, when compare John Summers will introduce Mike Alone, Mark Tyme and Kevin and Kari Jey.

Tickets priced £2.50 are available from Bob's butchers, Irene's news, Brenda's news, Michael Dalby Hair Stylist, Christine's Hair Fashion and Regency Hair all in Padiham.

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