A CANCER survivor and his team of charity buskers – who have raised £500,000 for worthy causes to date – entertained shoppers in Bolton town centre.

Former journalist Peter Quinn set up Charity Aid 11 years ago, initially to raise money for The Christie hospital.

The 61-year-old, from Atherton, spent two years being treated there for lymph cancer of the bowel – nearly dying twice.

After raising £250,000 for the hospital, the Charity Aid volunteers turned their sights elsewhere and now busk every weekend for different charities.

Mr Quinn said: “We are all volunteers and we sing in a different place every Saturday.

“Today 11 people are taking part for Macmillan Cancer Support and we are doing all sorts of songs, a bit of everything.

“For us it is about putting fun into fundraising. I always say to people, your loose change can change a life.”

Among the volunteers taking part was Mick Isherwood, of Oldhams Terrace, Sharples, who wowed the crowds belting out some Elvis Presley classics. The Asda worker survived a stroke 12 years ago.

Nine-year-old Danielle Hughes, from Burnley, hit the high notes in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.