GENEROUS grandad Johnny Wilson has loved drawing since he was a young lad.

But at the age of 16 when he could have gone to art college, he turned down a place and went down the pits instead.

But Mr Wilson, now 54, carried on with his art work and has given 20 of his cartoons to Bolton Hospice.

Mr Wilson of Parkfield Avenue, Farnworth, is a committee member of Farnworth and Kearsley Labour Club. He said: "The Club was trying to raise some money for the hospice and I thought I could donate some of my drawings. I thought it might cheer up youngsters."

And his donations to the charity came as Mr Wilson is is also facing a difficult time nursing his wife Mary who has suffered a brain haemorrhage.

The cartoons will be used for displays, presentations, raffles and special gifts for schools who raise funds for the hospice. And some will be given to the Children's Hospital Appeals Trust for display in their wards.

Mr Wilson who also supplies local children with cartoons, is hoping to decorate a nursery for a new born baby soon.

Nicola Mooney from the hospice said: "We greatly appreciate all forms of help for the hospice and Johnny really has worked long and hard to create the pictures he donated.

The hospice is constantly searching for volunteer and donations and have recently established two websites with the help of the BEN to help Boltonians help the hospice.