A CHURCH in Radcliffe, which was flooded on Boxing Day, has raised almost £3,000 in an auction.

The Parish Church of St Mary, in Church Green, raised a grand total of £2,869 with some smaller donations still to be counted.

The auction was well attended with 80 people filling the hall including Mayor of Bury Mike Connolly and his consort Ian Hargreaves, both proudly wearing their Radcliffe chains.

Also in attendance were councillors Rishi Shori and Jane Preston.

The final total included donations from the auction sale, a raffle and also donations from local businesses.

Radcliffe Rotary and Bury Lions contributed along with Mr Martin Holt, managing director of Serviced City Pads Ltd in Liverpool, and John Ainscow, the owner of Bradley Fold & Summerseat Garden Centres.

Revd Carol Hayden, team rector at the church, said: “A fantastic night was had by all and on behalf of everyone at the church I would like to say a big thank you to all those who supported the event.

“I would really like to thank the local businesses who have been so supportive of the church since the flooding and think nothing of donating prizes to our worthy causes.

“There is still so much that the church needs since the floods wiped away everything and we are slowly getting back on our feet.

“We are keen to make the church a community hub for all and are looking to use the money to install a new ramp inside the church,” she added.

The first Eucharist service since the floods was held yesterday at the church, with future services to take place on every first and third Wednesday of the month as the church.

People are also invited to a concert by the Eden Singers who will be singing West End tunes on Saturday February 25.

The singers heard about the flooding and after performing a Christmas concert to raise funds, they are back for another event.

Tickets are £5 for adults and children are free.

For more information e-mail ticketsorinformation@icloud.com or phone Claire on 0161 725 8171.