AN author and illustrator will be returning to the pub where they met to host a special event and raise money for a children’s hospice.

Matthew John Santley, from Great Lever, is the author of ‘Lost in the Crowd’. In this, his first novel, he travels the world in search of love and speaks about his childhood in Bolton, the meaning of life, and his brother.

As a regular customer at the Spread Eagle pub in Bromley Cross, Matthew crossed paths with bartender Chris Rivers, who is also an illustrator from Manchester.

Chris spent 10 years of his life playing the drums in UK rock band Heaven’s Basement, before committing all his time to painting.

The pair joined forces for the book, which is now being sold on Amazon and receiving five-star reviews.

Janet Higgins, landlady at the Spread Eagle, said: “We like to think of the pub as being the hub of community.

“Without the chance meeting at the pub, they would never have met each other. Now they want to share their stories at the same time as raising money.”

Visitors will get the chance to speak with both Matthew and Chris about their life experiences at the event this evening.

The book will also be on sale for £10, with £5 of every sale being donated to Derian House Children’s Hospice.

The Spread Eagle pub is at 126 Hough Ln, Bolton, BL7 9DE. The event begins at 5pm on Friday, May 25.