TWO charities are looking forward to a cash windfall from Bolton and Bury's business community.

The Phoenix Arts Centre, in Bark Street, Bolton, and the Bolton Branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain have been selected as the chosen charities to benefit from this year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Last year, the awards raised more than £2,000 for charity, and the organisers are hoping to top that figure at the glittering black tie event at the DeVere Whites Hotel on June 28.

The Phoenix provides performing arts workshops and facilities for young people, with particular emphasis on the inclusion of disadvantaged and disaffected young people.

Tom Gray, Phoenix campaign and events co-ordinator said: "The Bolton and Bury Business Awards will greatly contribute to the development and continuing success of The Phoenix and allow us to continue to provide the vital resources we currently offer and gives us the opportunity to reach further disadvantage and disaffected children and young people across the region.

The Bolton Branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain was formed in 2000 by volunteer business people to organise fund-raising events to help disadvantaged children. It has raised more than £54,000.

Chairman Paul Wild said: "The committee was absolutely delighted with the news that the Bolton and Bury Business Awards had decided to donate half its fundraising revenue to the Variety Club. This will be put to the best possible use to ensure that the disadvantaged children in our area will enjoy the benefit.

"Without the financial support of the local businesses who attend the events we organise, and especially the help we receive by the local business people who sit on our committee, we would have been unable to achieve the level of fundraising we have."

  • Businesses can still enter the 11 awards categories. To enter, log on to Business Awards