HOSPITAL staff are appealing for relatives to come forward after the death of two elderly men.

James Yates, who had been treated on a ward of the Royal Bolton Hospital for 32 years, has died aged 78.

Mr Yates, who was known as "Jim" by nurses, was admitted to ward J2 in 1970.

Staff are now keen to arrange his funeral and want to trace any of his relatives.

Mr Yates, whose long stay on the psychiatric ward is not unusual, is not believed to have any children or grand-children, but could have a brother living in Bolton.

Staff are also trying to track down relatives of Thomas Prince, of Manchester Road West, Little Hulton.

The 77-year-old was admitted to the hospital on December 4 and died following a short illness.

Anyone with information should call Jean Peters in Patient Services on 01204 390807.