THE caring and friendship given by Mrs Pam Walker from Edgworth has earned her a special floral "thank you."

She is the latest recipient of the BEN Bouquet of the Week, nominated by Mrs Kay Halliday, from Bromley Cross, who writes:

"I have known Pam since she was at Turton High School with our younger daughter Mrs Jean Pickles.

"Always a very thoughtful girl with a caring nature, and the younger daughter of Canon Jim Beasley, retired, Pam has been a constant and true friend to Jean.

"On March 18, our son-in-law, actor John Pickles, died suddenly of a heart attack. The family were, and still are devastated. "Apart from our small close family and a neighbour, Pam was the first to come, bringing not only flowers, but her very special quality of love and understanding.

"She guided our daughter through all the stages of bereavement and funeral service procedure, prayers and hymns. No-one could have done this so sensitively.

"She offered help and support at the time and continues to do so. Yet another contribution to our family left shattered by the death of a very dear and much respected gentleman, Pam made and provided an excellent buffet after the funeral.

"Pam lives an extremely full life with her family and does a fair amount of church work and sick visiting, currently visiting relatives, one of whom has a terminal illness.

"I am pleased to write this letter as a tribute to a very special lady and friend of the family, and Mrs Pam Walker certainly does deserve a bouquet."

If YOU know someone who deserves special thanks, we'll deliver a beautiful "Princess" handtied bouquet, courtesy of Susan Ward Florist (freephone 0800-289-335), situated opposite Bolton Central Police Station. Write to: Bouquet of the Week, Vicky Maud, BEN, Churchgate, Bolton, BL1 1DE.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.