A wig wearing, fundraising volunteer has raised over £10,000 in less than 12 months for Macmillan Cancer Support by standing at the exit of a Bolton shop.

Wendy Close, of Astley Bridge, has spent much of the last year stood at the exit of Poundland in Victoria Square in a multicoloured wig in order to raise funds for the charity.

Her efforts raised a total of £10,132.

Wendy calculated that her time spent in the shop amounted to a total of 646 hours over a total of 94 days, even after taking a month off to do a separate fundraising project.

She began her efforts on January 7 and reached her goal by December 26.

Wendy said: “I try to get £1000 every month and I normally get it. I’ll hopefully raise even more if I can.”

Wendy first decided to fundraise in this way after visiting the shop in 2015 and noticing that Macmillan were the registered charity for the company.

She said: “The people over at Macmillan said why not fundraise here and I’ve been here since. I’m so chuffed and all the staff and customers are so lovely. Thank you so much to them.”

Poundland Store manager Cath Seville said: “As a company Macmillan is our registered charity and we do our fundraising but Wendy is a lifeline. She’s fantastic.

“I’ve been here for 12 months and she’s part of the fixtures and fittings. People know she’s there as soon as you see the wig.”

Emma Pawluk, Fundraising manager for Macmillan in Bolton, said: “Wendy is also part of the Bolton Fundraising Group. You only have to ask and Wendy will do it for you, she’s amazing.”

Previously, Wendy has undertaken numerous charitable causes including an 11,000ft skydive for The Christie Hospital in memory of Bolton-born steeplejack Fred Dibnah.

She was also instrumental in raising funds for the bronze statue of Mr Dibnah in the town centre.

Ms Pawluk said: “I’d like to say a massive thank you from Macmillan for everything Wendy has done.”

Those wishing to undertake fundraising of their own can contact epawluk@macmillan.org.uk.