BANDS, music lovers and bar managers across Bolton have rallied together to help a pub, its landlord and staff left devastated by a car crash.

Last month, a Land Rover ploughed into the side of the popular Dog and Partridge live music venue in Manor Street, leaving considerable damage, Neil Piper homeless, staff without work and bands without a place to play.

The friends of the Dog and Partridge have joined forces to organise events to help raise money to get the venue up and running again.

Matthew Leonard, who has booked gigs and run promotions at the town centre pub for the past five years, said: "We've put on numerous fundraising gigs and festivals for a plethora of charities but what is happening over the next few months is totally unprecedented.

"The most striking thing is the gigs organised so far have all come from people who aren't directly involved with the pub. People have felt compelled to do something to help out the Dog in a time of need."

On Friday, December 5, the White Tiger in Horwich will host a night of music with bands, including Our Fold.

Arts organisation Live from Worktown has turned its planned Christmas party at Tonge Cricket Club on Friday, December 19, into a fundraiser for the Dog and Partridge.

On Sunday, December 21, the venue was due to take part in the B Festival Winter Wonderland event which will now be a fundraiser, at the Blind Tiger, Nelson Square, and the Balmoral, Bradshawgate, with acts including Our Fold, Jordan Allen, Lofthouse, Northstand, Lime Chase and The Transmitters.

On New Year's Eve, the Man and Scythe, Churchgate, will host a fundraiser with live music from Black Jack Casino.

Tom Benson, from the White Tiger in Horwich, said: "To have the Dog borrow our venue to ensure it has funds to keep itself alive after the unfortunate event that has temporarily closed it shows there can be a unity in music — it's not just about business."

Dawn Price, marketing and events manager at Blind Tiger, said: "It is very important for live music venues to work together and offer the town an eclectic choice of music continuously."

Other fundraisers planned include nights at DOA Rehearsal Studios, quizzes, a sponsored walk and a large-scale gig next year.