HOUSEBOUND folk in Ramsbottom and Tottington received some pre-Christmas cheer when they were treated to a slap-up lunch by the Peel Lions.

Forty people were picked up from their homes and whisked off to the Grants Arms pub in Ramsbottom, where they were joined by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Connie Fitzgerald, for a Christmas meal.

Peel Lions welfare director Alec Sutcliffe said: "We realise how difficult it is for the housebound to get out so each year we try to treat a number of local people by organising a Christmas party for them.

"We were delighted this year when it was made even more special because the mayor was able to join us."

The Peel Lions raised more than £1,300 during their annual door-to-door Christmas collection. All money raised will go to help local needy people.

Activities chairman Graham Duce said: "We would like to thank everyone who gave so generously and we are delighted to have raised so much this year."

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