ALMOST 200 people turned out to enjoy an evening of celebration and appreciation for Bury Hospice.

The charity is this year marking its 25th anniversary and leaders organised a special evening of fun and entertainment for supporters at the Elizabethan Suite at the town hall.

The highlight of the night was the presentation of special awards to ten volunteers who have each been giving their time to the hospice for a quarter of century.

The ten are Joan Knight, Iona Worthington, Rita Martin, Pam Byrom, Joyce Garnett, Brian Seymour, Mary Farrington, Sandra Morris, Joyce Keeble and Audrey Stembridge and, between them, they have given 780 years of services to the hospice.

Volunteer Joyce Garnett said: "Not long after I retired, a few of my close friends died. It was at this point that I decided I would like to help out at my local hospice. I have seen many, many changes over the years but the one thing that has remained unchanged is the wonderful care our doctors and nurses provide to patients and their families. I am very proud to be a part of it."

Brian Seymour said: "Volunteering at the hospice has given me a new lease of life.

"I now work in the warehouse in Radcliffe. All the people are warm-hearted and friendly."

Certificates and badges were also presented to another 75 volunteers who have been helping out for between five and 15 years.

Awards were presented by special guests Bury Mayor, Cllr Mike Connolly, and businesswoman Tracy Mort MBE.

Hospice trustee Simon Attwell paid tribute to the volunteers in a heartwarming speech.

He said: "We have here tonight an incredible group of dedicated, experienced, enthusiastic and fun-loving volunteers whose commitment to our hospice is deeply inspirational to us all.

"Therefore to each and every volunteer, present or not, your trustees and staff thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the hard work and effort you put in."

Mr Attwell thanked the event's sponsors who paid for the night's expenses.

Guests were welcomed by music from a trombone quartet from Bury Music Service and there was a special performance from Whitefield opera singer Nichola Fox.

The compere for the evening was Harvey Klapisch and there was slideshow illustrating the difference volunteers make at the hospice.