STAFF at The Bolton News have raised more than £400 for the Hospice at Home appeal.

They handed over the cash to Bolton Hospice this week — bringing the appeal target to more than £105,000.

With less than £5,000 still to raise for the appeal, hospice bosses are urging readers to dig deep and donate to reach the target before the end of the financial year.

Bolton Hospice and The Bolton News launched the campaign in January last year to coincide with the hospice’s 20th anniversary.

The aim is to raise £110,000 to pay for the Hospice at Home service, which enables people to be cared for in their homes at the end of their lives.

Readers responded generously to the appeal and over the past year and have completed sponsored events, held bake sales and given donations.

The Bolton News raised almost £200 selling specially designed Christmas cards and two members of staff raised more than £150 by taking part in Movember and growing moustaches.

The Bolton News staff have also raised money by taking part in the Midnight Memories’ Walk, holding a bake sale and having a Christmas choir performance.

Hospice fundraising manager Alice Atkinson said: “I would like to say thank you to everyone at The Bolton News for supporting the appeal. I would also like to urge people to help us reach the target by bringing in any money raised or by holding a charity event to support the cause.”