HELP for hundreds of babies born prematurely in Bolton is on the way - from people all over the borough.

Already, several local groups have come forward to support the Children's Hospitals Appeal Trust (CHAT) project to raise an initial £30,000, to buy the latest ultrasound machines.

These will give brain scans to the 300 or so pre-term babies born each year at the Princess Anne Maternity Unit in the Royal Bolton Hospital.

This would allow medical staff to monitor the babies' development carefully, and would replace machines bought nearly 10 years ago.

Since the appeal was launched to raise the cash - and further amounts for more equipment - a great "movement of support" has offered to help, reported CHAT's community development co-ordinator Liz Oakes.

Egerton House Hotel's new owner Jan Hampton has offered the venue for an event, and Bolton town centre bar J2 has also pledged support with fund-raising ventures.

Hilary Hibbert, retiring lady captain from Turton Golf Club, has donated £800 from charitable events there. And Bolton Rugby Club is holding a casino evening and disco on Saturday, May 15, at their Avenue Street base.

The Brown Cow in Burrs Country Park, in Bury, is holding a family fun day on Sunday, May 30.

And CHAT itself has arranged a Black Tie Gala Ball on Friday, June 4, at the Reebok's Platinum Suite with West End musical star Jimmy Kean helping to provide the entertainment.

CHAT regularly buys medical equipment for local hospitals, and has a busy year of physical challenges on offer for the more adventurous to help boost appeals like Bolton's.

There are parachute jumps, opportunities to swim with sharks or be a zoo-keeper for the day at Chester Zoo.

Nearer to home, there is abseiling down Peel Tower at Holcombe Brook or cycling to Blackpool among the planned events.

"We've been really pleased with the way that local people have already responded to this new appeal to help babies in Bolton," added Liz.

"But we'd like to hear from a lot more people who would like to boost the appeal, and enjoy themselves raising money."

She also appealed to appreciative parents of babies treated in the maternity unit, especially the neo-natal unit, to help CHAT.

"Even a small donation can make a difference towards a bigger piece of equipment," she said.

Liz Oakes can be contacted at the CHAT office on 0161-798-1600, mobile 07775-601205.