A CARING Salvation Army couple from Bolton were among dozens of people from all over Britain honoured by Tony and Cherie Blair last night for carrying on their vital work while most others are having a Christmas break.

Captain Julian Watchorn and his wife, Hilarie, who run the Duke Street Hostel in Bolton, are preparing for their busiest period of the year as homeless men seek warmth and friendship over the festive period.

A lifeboat coxswain, a power station worker and a Samaritans volunteer were among others who joined them at 10 Downing Street.

They were chosen as representatives of the thousands of people who will give up their Christmas Day this year so that the rest of the country can enjoy the holiday.

They included nurses, doctors, ambulance crews, firefighters, police, and air and sea rescue staff, as well as those manning crisis helplines, and TV news and weathermen and women.

THE Salvation Army is on the hunt for Christmas donations to help Bolton's needy.

The plea has gone out as they prepare for one of their busiest times of the year at their Eventide home residential centre.

Dinner

Nearly 3,000 people throughout the region were given a free Christmas dinner and a present last year, as well as thousands of breakfasts being given to the homeless.

Now the charity bosses are calling for extra help to make the festive season more bearable for dozens of Bolton folk.

Donations can be handed in to The Salvation Army Hall, King Street, Farnworth on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, between 9.30am and 11.30am.

For collection of goods contact Captain Ron Forsyth on Bolton 575955 or 07970 903584.

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