Games cycling success sets off a chain reaction

Cllr Bob Ronson bought the "See it Live" banner at an auction of Commonwealth Games memorabilia.

He is now hoping to use it next year in an event which he is planning together with Horwich Carnival Committee and Horwich Cycling Club.

Cllr Ronson, who paid £21 for his banner, said: "The Commonwealth Games really put Horwich on the cycling map and we want to keep those memories alive and host a similar event on the same scale next year.

"It is still in the planning stage. But the banner will come in handy."

Cllr Ronson also bought an orange Commonwealth Games T-shirt for a Christmas present.

The auction last Saturday was organised by Bolton Mayor, Cllr John Walsh -- who also acted as auctioneer -- to raise funds for the Bolton Coronary Care Appeal 2002.

In addition to the Commonwealth Games banners, which were displayed around Bolton over the summer, "See it Live" t-shirts were also sold off signed by TV presenter Vernon Kay.

The auction at Bolton Town Hall was held as part of a coffee morning which attracted more than 1,000 visitors. The amount raised will be announced later.

A couple raised £500 for the Bolton Coronary Care Appeal by staging -- a wake. Gladys and George Winstanley celebrated their silver wedding anniversary in unsual style -- by staging a party.

Heart patient George, aged 73, and Gladys, aged 62, live in New Riven Court, Little Lever.

Friends and family as far away as India turned up for the party on Saturday night at Great Lever Conservative Club.

After a year of cardiac problems and having a pacemaker fitted, George has become more aware of his mortality and decided to give back to the coronary care unit.

The appeal to raise £1 million already stands at £750,000 towards building a new heart unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Gladys said: "It was a fantastic night and we raised £500. More than 70 people came including a bridesmaid I've not seen since our wedding 25 years ago and some family from India."