FUNDRAISING heroes who took part in a health charity's sponsored walk to Rivington Pike have been honoured.

Horwich New Heart Club raises cash for the North West Transplant Centre at Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester.

The money helps pay for patient care, hospital equipment and research into heart and lung surgery.

The charity group holds a number of fundraising events throughout the year, such as concerts, collections at supermarkets, bowling tournaments and sponsored events, and presents trophies annually to those people who raise the most cash at its annual sponsored walk at Rivington Pike.

The latest trophies were handed out to recipients at a brass band concert organised by the charity at St Mary's Hall, Horwich.

Among the recipients were Lorraine Ashton, of Melbourne Grove, Horwich, who won the individual fundraiser award; Melissa and Matthew Vanes, aged 10 and 12, of Chew Moor, who were presented with the children's trophy; and a "schoolgirls" group led by Jeanette Chaney, of Victoria Road, Horwich, which won a team award.

Former heart patient Martin Marsh, aged 59, led a team of his relatives to receive another award which was presented by Cllr Ken Denton, the Mayor of Horwich.

Mr Marsh, of Longworth Road, Horwich, raised £460 with wife Eileen, aged 55, mother Jenny, aged 90, daughter Helen, aged 30, and her partner, Michael Thompson, aged 26.

Mr Marsh said: "I've had heart surgery twice for new valves and a pacemaker, so it's nice to be able to give something back.

The Rivington Pike walk is a really good day out and we enjoy it as a family - although I take my time."

The event raised just under £2,000 and the club handed over a total of £8,000 to the hospital from the past 12 month's activities.

Former transplant patients Colin Wilson and Maureen Prescott, both from Wigan, received the cheque on behalf of the hospital .

To contact the group, call 01204 692766 or 696132.