A SPARKLING £9,000 has been raised following a champagne afternoon tea and fashion show staged by Bury Cancer Support Centre.

The glittering event, held in the plush surroundings of Manchester's Midland Hotel, attracted more than 280 guests.

During the afternoon tea, they were entertained by the Katanas, singer songwriters from Manchester who recently returned from America.

After a short interval, the fashion show, arranged by Pat Haslam and her team from The Dressing Room in Ramsbottom, was staged.

A wide range of one-off outfits were displayed by the models, many of whom were Bury Cancer Support Centre's own patients. Later, guests were entertained by vocalist Cole Page. Centre leaders said they were "overwhelmed" by the generosity of guests who dug deep to help raise in excess of £9,000, and also praised people who made raffle prize donations.

Bury Cancer Support Centre is an independent organisation that receives no outside funding.

Established 12 years ago and now based in Bolton Road, the centre relies on fundraising and donations to meet its annual cost of £120,000 plus.

All support is free to cancer patients and their families and friends.

Spokeswoman Sue Hyland said: "The future for the centre is bright and full of opportunities to grow and develop the service. We plan to start by offering more flexible opening hours which will include evening sessions. We are always happy and grateful to welcome new volunteers into the organisation."

The centre can be contacted on 0161 764 6609.