A GENEROUS great-gran has donated her 90th birthday cash to help Bolton's child abuse victims.

Instead of pocketing the cash herself, Hannah Howarth handed over £110 to NSPCC officials to help youngsters who have suffered mental and physical abuse, just days after enjoying a family knees-up to celebrate her landmark birthday.

And yesterday, as she handed over the money, the former mill worker said: "It's going to a good cause so I'm pleased about that.

"I have always loved children. Even when I was a girl and I heard that someone had had a baby I used to go round to see the child."

And the sprightly pensioner, who has battled back from a fall two years ago in which she broke her left arm and hip, joked: "I decided to give the money to the NSPCC because I would not have known what to do with it."

Her decision to help abuse victims has been welcomed by her three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The money was given to her by more than 60 people who attended a surprise birthday party at the Horwich RMI Club to mark her 90th birthday.

Mrs Howarth's daughter, Kath, with whom she lives on Chorley New Road, said: "When she got the money she didn't know what to do with it all because she needs for nothing.

"She's always loved children so much that she decided to give it to the NSPCC."

Deborah Hardwick, area appeals manager for the NSPCC, was on hand to accept Mrs Howarth's donation.

The money will go towards a local child protection team, currently based in Swinton, which provides therapeutic care and counselling to young abuse victims.

Deborah added: "We think it's fantastic that Mrs Howarth has made this donation. It's a lovely gesture to make and it will obviously go to help local children."

The elderly woman's kind gesture comes as the charity continues a national push to raise £250 million as part of their Full Stop campaign.

Bosses at the charity are also on the hunt for volunteers in the Bolton area to help raise NSPCC funds. Anyone who can help should contact 01457 766067.