STAFF from Grosvenor Casino and Mecca Bingo in Bolton are celebrating after reaching a fundraising milestone of £1.8m for the Carers Trust.

The Rank Group, which owns Mecca and Grosvenor Casinos, partnered with the Carers Trust in February, 2014.

Since then, employees in Bolton have worked hard to raise as much money as possible through fundraisers and charity events. Mike Cleary, Mecca Bingo area manager for the North West said: “We’re incredibly proud of the efforts of all or our team members and most importantly, our customers and everyone in Bolton who have dug deep into their pockets to help us to support such a worthwhile charity.

"The sad reality is that three in five people will become carers in the UK at some point in their lives and with seven million carers in the UK already, it’s crucial that there is funding available to provide the important support they need.”

The Rank Group hopes to pass the £2m mark in 2018.

The funds raised will go towards Rank Carers Grants Funds which were set up to provide financial support to carers aged 16 and over.