MAJOR donors to Bolton Hospice have been rewarded by being made the first ever patrons in recognition of their financial support.

The Patron Scheme, launched last September, has already secured £40,000 funding for the next three years and hospice fundraisers hope this will increase in the future.

Hospice running costs amount to £1.8 million a year, of which only £600,000 is provided by the NHS, leaving fundraisers to find the rest.

Brian Leigh-Bramwell, chairman of Leigh's Paints and head of the Patron's Appeal, thanked everyone involved in the hospice and added he was "amazed" at the hospice's facilities.

He said: "We hope many more people will join us in the patron scheme." He added volunteers were "invaluable" to the hospice.

At a special ceremony Mr Leigh-Bramwell presented the patrons with framed certificates and thanked Steven Hughes, editor of the Bolton Evening News, for the paper's support over the last few years.

More than 500 volunteers work at the hospice to help with fundraising, working on the wards, and in the hospice shop. Patrons can be companies, organisations, or individuals who pledge £350, £500 or £1,000 annually for at least three years.

Fundraisers at the hospice hope to attract many more patrons in the next year. Anyone interested in making donations or becoming a volunteer can contact Debra on 01204-520040.