CONGRATULATIONS to the Bolton Hospice as it celebrates 10 years in the town.

It is a decade since this remarkable charity first opened its doors to patients after years of planning and fund-raising -- a fantastic achievement and one everyone involved should be immensely proud of.

Now plans are being made for the future and the development of the Hospice, which has grown at an incredible rate, in size and stature, since building work started on land close to the former Royal Bolton Infirmary, in 1990.

A massive £1.5 million was raised to build and equip the Hospice with state-of-the-art equipment, and it was officially opened in October 1991.

By March 1992 Bolton Hospice welcomed its first patients, five years after the appeal was first launched.

There have been many memorable moments in the past 10 years.

There was a royal visit by the Duchess of Norfolk in 1992 and she unveiled a plaque, met patients, staff and fund-raisers and attended a reception buffet.

In 1993 it was the turn of the people's favourite, Princess Diana, to see the good work being done at the Hospice.

There could have been no more memorable a visit than that of the Princess who met with patients, relatives, staff and supporters.

Well-wishers lined the streets around the Hospice to catch a glimpse of the royal. Fund-raising work has continued to play an integral part in the life of the Hospice and still must continue today to keep up with the running costs of just more than £1 million a year.

Events are continually being organised to raise much-needed cash and last year the innovative Bolton Hospice Lottery was launched. Hospice fund-raisers have big plans for the future and hope to build on what they have achieved in the last 15 years, since first coming up with the idea of a hospice in Bolton.

A marvellous new day unit -- which is continuing to provide much-needed care for local people -- is just one of the incredible achievements of the fund-raisers.

A very successful "Hospice at Home" scheme is also testament to the dedication of those who are determined to improve and extend the Hospice service in the town.

That work is set to go on and on and on . . .

So here's to the next 10 years and beyond.