MONEY from the We Love Manchester Emergency Fund is now being distributed to those affected by the terror attack at Manchester Arena.

Families in Bolton were among those caught up in the attack in May, which claimed 22 lives and injured more than 200.

Following the attack by Salman Abedi, who detonated a homemade bomb at the exit of the arena after a concert by American singer Ariana Grande, a We Love Manchester Emergency Fund was launched backed by the British Red Cross.

To date £15 million has been raised, £2 million in just 24 hours as people responded to calls to help people who have been injured or bereaved by the attack.

The money is designed to help ‘alleviate’ suffering and ensure that victims and their families do not face short-term financial difficulties’.

A We Love Manchester Emergency Fund spokesperson said: “Thank to the phenomenal generosity and solidarity of people all around the world we have now raised £15m for the Emergency Fund.

“Of this £5.4m has already been allocated for distribution to the bereaved families and those who were hospitalised following the attack.

"Our trustees are now deciding how the rest of the money will be distributed to best help all those who have been affected.”

Payments of £1million were made to families of the bereaved and those who stayed in hospital June 1.

Bereaved families received £20,000; people who had been in hospital seven days or longer were given £10,000 and those who were in hospital overnight £3,500.

A second round of payments of £4.4m were made to families of the bereaved and those who stayed in hospital for seven days or longer on June 13.

Bereaved families received £50,000 and people who had been in hospital seven days or longer received £50,000.

Among those injured in the attack was Martin Hibbert, aged 41, who was at the concert with his daughter.

His friends have organised their own fundraising campaign to support him after he suffered life-changing injuries which have left him paralysed.

A celebrity charity T20 cricket match, in which Bolton Wanderers legend Kevin Davies will be playing, will be held in support of Mr Hibbert and his family will take place at Edgworth Cricket and Recreation Club on September 3.