THOUSANDS of bulbs are blooming to create Bolton's Field of Hope.

The daffodils, planted in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care, are starting to flower at Beaumont Road, Ladybridge, and have already raised more than £3,500 for the charity.

Donors have paid to sponsor bulbs and in turn got to write a dedication to a lost loved-one in a Book of Hope.

Proceeds will help provide Marie Curie nurses for Bolton, enabling terminally ill people to have the choice of being cared for at home.

Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Barbara Ronson, visited the site for the official launch of the project on Monday.

The Field of Hope has been organised by cancer survivor Gillian Gregory, one of the founding members of the charity's Bolton Support Group, formed in October 2006.

Mrs Gregory, of Arran Close, Ladybridge, said: "There are still some bulbs to flower but it's a good showing.

"In years to come, as they multiply, it will be even better.

"The Field of Hope raises money, provides a living memorial for people who have lost loved ones and enhances the environment."

Shirley Bassey and Diana Ross are just some of the legends who have helped to raise funds for the appeal.

But the divas did not appear in person - it was really the co-owners of the York Hotel in Newport Street, dressed in drag.

Darren Martin, licensee, and his business partner, Darren Fallows, were inspired to organise a fundraising event after Mr Martin's mother, Julie Anne, lost her battle against bowel cancer three years ago, aged 56.

Thanks to Marie Curie nurses, she was able to pass away at home.

He said: "My mother was extremely brave. She had several operations over the two years that she lived with cancer and had chemotherapy every two weeks.

"My mum died just five hours after coming out of hospital but without the nurses even that wouldn't have been possible, so I'm so grateful."

The night raised £370 and dedications in memory of Mrs Martin and Charlie O'Connell, a friend of the hotel owners who died of prostate cancer, have been written in the Book of Hope.

It is now available to view at the Britannia Hotel.

To sponsor a bulb, contact Hannah Taylor from Marie Curie on 0161 255 2809.