BOLTON'S coronary care appeal rocketed at the Reebok last night -- soaring to £356,000.

Wanderers players Stig Tofting, Henrik Pedersen and Fredi Bobic rubbed shoulders with local politicians and company bosses for a launch party at the Reebok Stadium last night.

Following the Bolton Evening News' exclusive coverage of the appeal last night, pledges flooded in rocketing the fund to a massive £356,000 within 24 hours.

Bolton breadmakers, Warburtons and voluntary body, the WRVS pledged £165,000 and a further £5,000 was given by the Bolton Cardiac Support Group.

WRVS has promised to give the hospital its £100,000 profits from the shops and food trolleys which provide snacks and gifts to hundreds of patients and visitors at the Royal Bolton Hospital each day.

Lynda Haworth, project leader for Bolton's WRVS, said: "We have more than 200 volunteers and they are all really pleased that we are able to make such a big contribution to this worthwhile cause. Many of our members have either been on the unit themselves or know of a family member. The idea for a new unit is absolutely wonderful." Appeal chairman, Brett Warburton, also managing director of Warburtons, said the firm's pledge reflected their deep-rooted commitment to Bolton families. He said: "Our £50,000 donation, which is worth more than £60,000 to the appeal, is a start. We hope this will encourage other businesses and community groups in Bolton to follow our lead and help raise the £1 million we need.

"When you think about the medical team who do such great work in the unit's current cramped surroundings, you know that with additional space and equipment so much more would be achieved.

"It is our hope that over the next 12 months everyone in the Bolton community will add their support."

Bolton West MP Ruth Kelly is to write to Health Secretary Alan Milburn to make him aware of the BEN's campaign and press for more money for Bolton's NHS services.

She said: "The appeal is a typical example of the community spirit that exists in Bolton and the sheer level of backing that it has already received from the local community is further evidence of this."