FUND-RAISER par excellence Alf Hales has boosted local charities by thousands of pounds.

But all he wanted back was a little surprise for his wife, Eunice.

And the Bolton Evening News and Royal Bolton Hospital staff were happy to oblige -- co-operating to ensure that Mrs Hales received the newspaper's special Bouquet of the Week on her 80th birthday.

Mrs Hales is currently a patient on the stroke unit at the Hospital, where she is popular with all the staff.

A hospital spokesman said: "Mr Hales is well known in the town for his fund raising for all sorts of organisations, including for the hospital.

"And we certainly think that they, as a couple, deserve the Bouquet of the Week."

Mrs Hales loved the flowers, which arrived courtesy of Caroline Ward's flower and gift delivery service (0800-289-335), and helped her have a lovely birthday.

Send details of deserving individuals (including their daytime telephone number) to: BOUQUET OF THE WEEK, Angela Kelly, Features Editor, Bolton Evening News, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE.