A GROUP of down-on-their-luck gamblers got a big surprise as they nursed injuries in their hospital beds.

Regular bingo playing friends from the Cascade Social Club in Breightmet have all ended up on the same ward of Bolton Royal Infirmary at the same time.

And when they thought the nurses looked familiar they soon realised why - they go to regular bingo sessions as well.

After Cascade bingo worker James Metcalfe visited his mum Elsie on Cooper Ward at Bolton Royal Infirmary he found he was surrounded by bingo fans.

So Cascade manager David Ryder and his team decided to cheer up their absent loyal customers with a quick session of eyes-down during visiting time on the ward.

Elsie, nursing a fractured knee, Patricia Hindle (broken ankle) and Kathleen Wall (broken hip) joined nurses and other patients to battle for a full house.

Elsie said: "It's brilliant they've come down to see us. It really cheered us up because bingo is one thing we all enjoy."

Mr Ryder said: "Another of our customers had to be admitted to hospital today, so we're getting to be on first name terms with the paramedics!"

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