work to build a state-of-the art new cardiac support unit for heart patients at the Royal Bolton Hospital is due to start in April.

But Bolton's health bosses today appealed for one final push to reach a revised target of the Coronary Care Appeal.

More than £850,000 has been donated to the appeal -- backed by the Bolton Evening News -- in just 12 months.

The new unit, which will allow more heart patients in Bolton to receive life-saving treatment, was initially costed at £1 million.

Health bosses have now announced that capital costs for the project have risen to £1.3m -- but are confident the milestone can be reached.

And it is all thanks to the efforts and donations of thousands of generous fundraisers.

Brett Warburton, chairman of the Coronary Care Appeal, announced at a Valentine's Ball at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday night that the £850,000 milestone had been passed.

Mr Warbuton told more than 350 guests: "This is a truly remarkable achievement -- and one for which I would like to thank the people of Bolton.

"They have amazed us all with their tremendous commitment and creativity in raising funds in so many ways. I am delighted to announce that work will begin on the new unit in April."

A host of groups and organisations have pledged to continue their support to reach the new target.

Anne Kaneen, chairman of Bolton's Cardiac Support Group, said: "We are 110 per cent behind the appeal and we will continue to support it until the money needed has been reached."

The appeal has attracted huge donations since its launch a year ago.

Jenny Walsh, the appeal's fund-raising manager, added: "We have had a fantastic response from all sorts of groups an individuals and we are really grateful."

Bolton has one of the highest heart attack rates in England, and there are not enough beds in the hospital's coronary care unit to cope.

It is hoped the new 10-bed unit will be ready for its first patients by June.

Donations to the Coronary Care Appeal can be sent to the Appeal Office, Davenport House, the Royal Bolton Hospital, Minerva Road, Farnworth, Bolton BL4 03R. For details, contact the Appeal Office on 01204 390 111.