LAWYERS in Bury are being urged to raise money for charity by writing wills as part of a national month-long drive.

Legal firms across Greater Manchester are being asked to sign up to Will Aid Month, which takes place nationwide throughout November.

The programme relies on solicitors to pledge their time and support for the cause, which sees them provide the will writing service for free in return for a voluntary donation to charity from their client.

Chris Hopkins, from Bury-based Butcher and Barlow Solicitors, said: “We really enjoy taking part in Will Aid and are proud to be able to offer our solicitors’ time to write wills which have raised such fantastic sums for charity. We are really looking forward to Will Aid 2016 and will be working hard to raise more than last year.”

Last year, Will Aid raised more than £1million for charity, £35,000 of which came from 23 firms in Greater Manchester. The cash raised is split between nine charities.

Peter de Vena Franks, campaign director for Will Aid said: “Will Aid 2015 was a fantastic success but we are really hoping 2016 will surpass that.

“We want this year to be bigger and better than ever before.

“The sums raised by Greater Manchester solicitors were staggering in 2015, but we want even more solicitors to sign up to and donate their time, so we can help more and more people get their finances in order.

“Having a will is one of the most important, yet easiest things to tick off the to-do list and our charities benefit as a result.”

Since the campaign was founded over 25 years ago, solicitors and clients have contributed more than £17 million in donations and an estimated £95 million in legacy pledges.

The campaign has helped more than 300,000 people to write a proper will with a professional solicitor.