MEMBERS of the Muslim community have donated £22,750 to the Bolton Coronary Care Appeal.

They have collected the money in just two months by organising dozens of separate events.

The collection, which was organised by the Bolton Council Of Mosques, is a huge boost for the £1 million appeal for a coronary care unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Community leaders handed the money to appeal organisers during a presentation in Bolton town hall.

Mohammed Adam, the general secretary of the Council of Mosques, said: "The evening was not just about collecting money for a worthy cause.

"It was about promoting understanding and integration. It was about building lasting relationships.

"We hope we can all continue to work together to support this appeal and to harness all the positives that our communities offer."

Fifteen mosques in the Bolton area helped collect the money and members of the Muslim business community also added donations.

Ladies organised a bazaar and there was an inter-mosque football contest. Pupils at Bolton Muslim Girls' School boosted the total.

Appeal organisers have now collected more than £700,000 towards the £1 million target.

Jenny Walsh, who manages the appeal, said: "We're very pleased that members of the Muslim community have donated so much money. They have all worked very hard.

"The appeal is going really well, but we still have a long way to go."

Appeal chairman Brett Warburton also thanked the Muslim community for its support.

He added: "I'm amazed that so much money has been raised in such a short space of time.

"It shows the strength of support for this appeal in the local community."