SHOOTERS put their guns to good use by collecting money for the Garden of Tranquillity appeal.

Members of the Rivington Air Rifle Club held two open nights to raise as much as possible to help transform the gardens at Bolton Hospice.

Rifle competitions and other games raised a total of £340.

Enthusiasts were able to take part in the events while club members were on hand to offer advice for people hoping to join the riflemen.

Organiser was Ray Ross, of Whitegate Drive, whose wife Sylvia was treated at Bolton Hospice before she lost her battle against lung disease at the couple's Astley Bridge home two years ago.

He was delighted with the amount raised at the open nights.

Ray, a grandfather of four, said: "Even though Sylvia died at home, she was cared for at the hospice and staff came to tend to her at home. I can't praise them enough, they were fantastic.

"The garden will be amazing and will benefit patients and their families."

Most of the gardens are covered in lawn, meaning people in wheelchairs and those using Zimmer frames cannot access them.

Patios have broken, cracked and uneven paving stones.

The new plans will see pathways built, providing disabled access to the gardens, and private seating created for patientsand their families. There will also be a water feature and a sensory garden.

If you would like to donate to the appeal, cheques and postal orders should be made payable to Bolton Hospice and can be returned to The Bolton News, Newspaper House, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE.

By filling in the coupon on this page page they will receive Gift Aid with your donation.

If you are organising an event, contact The Bolton News health reporter, Jane Lavender, on 01204 537350.