AN INCREDIBLE total of more than £6,200 has been raised in memory of a Bury mum who died earlier this year.

A charity evening was held at Ramsbottom Cricket Club on Saturday, July 2, in tribute to Louise Hamer, from Walmersley.

The 43-year-old mum-of-one, who worked as a beautician and a chiropodist, tragically died in February after a battle with cancer.

Nyree Patten, whose idea it was to organise the event, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of everyone who donated and attended Louise's charity evening.

"I would like to thank everybody who bought tickets, gave up their time, donated prizes, bought tickets and helped to make it the best night ever. £6,200 is an amazing total."

The funds raised are set to be split between Bury Hospice and and The Christie Hospital, with organisers due to present cheques to both charities in the coming weeks.

Kathryn Arnott-Gent, another friend of Louise's, added: "Louise was a huge part of many peoples lives and by the amazing donations received from local businesses and from the amount of people who attended the event, which sold out within an hour of the tickets going on sale, it was clear to see how much she meant to so many people."

Kathryn's son, Thomas, painted a portrait of George Best to be auctioned on the night, which was bought by Simon Nuttall, from Ramsbottom, for £110 after a bidding war.

The nine-year-old, a pupil at Emmanuel Holcombe CofE School, said: "I was really pleased and didn't think it would get that much and I really enjoyed painting the picture for my mum's friend's charity night."