VILLAGERS in Greenmount turned out in their hundreds on a cold winter afternoon to raise money for the victims of the tsunami disaster in South East Asia.

A total of 435 people took part in a sponsored walk on Sunday which was organised by the Greenmount Scout Fellowship for the relief appeal.

They walked two miles from their village to Tottington along the old railway lines on Linear Way.

The fellowship came up with the idea for a sponsored event during a community walk on December 27 - the day after the tsunami - from Greenmount to Hawkshaw in which 50 people took part.

Alistair Waddell, from the Greenmount Scout Fellowship, explained: "The one topic of conversation, apart from asking about the festive season, was the tsunami disaster. At this early stage we did not know just how bad it was.

"Whilst enjoying mulled wine and mince pies, the Scout Fellowship agreed to organise a sponsored walk."

He added: "What a surprise when the community sponsored walk took place. In all 435 people, with prams, dogs, push bikes and other accoutrements, turned out in the drizzle to walk the two miles. One dog was sponsored for more than £100 and many people had been sponsored for hundreds of pounds. As yet we do not know the full amount raised."

Mr Waddell concluded: "I and Christine Taylor, who also organised the event, would like to say a big thank-you to the people of Greenmount for turning out, and to fellow Scout Fellowship members who helped turn a little idea into a huge success."

VOLUNTEERS are being asked to get on their bikes and take part in a charity ride from Bury for the tsunami appeal.

Eight riders are needed to cycle from Bury to Blackburn, and back again, on February 6 and anyone wishing to take part or sponsor the event is asked to call Nasser Afzal on 0161 763 4411.

Mr Afzal said: "My friends and I have been really touched by the disaster and wanted to organise something in order to raise money for the appeal. Please sponsor the ride and remember every little bit helps."

"THE OWNERS of a Radcliffe pub have raised more than £1,000 for the tsunami appeal with the help of their regulars.

Sandra Thomas and Fred Hussain, the landlord and landlady of the Victoria pub, in Ainsworth Road, held a special fundraising night by raffling off donated items.

Among the prizes were a Manchester United football shirt, which went for £220 and a Disney Pluto toy, which was sold for £225.

Mr Hussain said: "The prizes were donated by friends and family, and we thought that we would raise about £600. But to make more than £1,000 was fantastic."

CUSTOMERS to the Y2K bar in Bury will be donning their dancing shoes to take part in a tsunami charity night on February 8.

The bar, in Silver Street, will be holding a Grease-themed night along with Carriages Hair and Beauty, based at the Bolholt Hotel in Walshaw Road.

On the night, "Pink Ladies' will be on hand to offer manicures, hair and beauty treatments for the ladies, while a handful of male customers will be taking part in sponsored head shaves and chest waxes.

BURY businessman Iain Alexander, who is auctioning off an autographed Manchester United shirt for the tsunami appeal, is dropping the £550 reserve price.

Iain, of Hazelwood Drive, is now anxious to receive any bids from those wishing to buy the jersey, which is autographed by 16 players. He bought the framed shirt for £550 12 months ago. All the money raised from the auction will go to the fund. Bids, which will close on Monday, February 7, should be telephoned to Iain on 07786 436863.

lALL things Scottish will feature in a fundraiser at the Longfield Suite in Prestwich next week.

The British Red Cross has organised a traditional Burns night on Tuesday, starting at 7.30pm for 8pm.

A traditional running order will be adhered to, including piping in the haggis with Scottish bagpipes, poetry by the man himself, Robert Burns, and lots of toasting and wee drams.

Tickets are £20, available from Kate Thomas at the Red Cross on 0161 888 8929 or Melanie Rabone on 0161 888 8914.

Cheques should be made payable to British Red Cross, Bradbury House, Unit 4, Ohio Avenue, Central Park, Salford M50 2GT

Formal dress for the event is required and kilts are optional.

PEOPLE wanting to donate money to the overseas relief agency Y Care International can drop off their contributions at Skipton Building Society in Market Street, Bury.

The agency, part of the YMCA, provides funds to buy aid for the countries affected by the tsunami.

Skipton Building Society manager, Louise Hamer, said: "We've all seen the shocking images of the devastation in southern Asia and I'm sure many will want to make a contribution to this appeal to try and help in any way they can.

"No donation is too small as every penny will help Y Care act quickly to prevent as many lives being lost as possible."

A FUNDRAISING event for the tsunami appeal held at Bury's Jinnah Day Care Centre on Sunday raised an impressive £700.

Attractions included a number of bring and buy stalls together with face painting and other activities.

The fundraiser, staged at the Alfred Street centre, was organised by Safina Nadeem, who was delighted with the support received.

YOUNGSTERS at Guardian Angels RC Primary School in Bury held a fundraising extravaganza over one week to raise more than £1,600 for the victims of the tsunami.

The pupils at the Leigh Lane school enjoyed a non-uniform day on Monday, a cake day on Tuesday, a bring and buy sale on Wednesday, a toast stall on Thursday and a gift day on Friday, donating money to raise the impressive amount.

BURY'S popular Bella Italia Pizzeria had a worthy topping of £900 for the tsunami appeal.

That was the total amount raised by staff of the Cooper Street restaurant, off Bolton Street, who decided to stage a special meal for the disaster fund.

Staff at the Bella Italia have thanked every customer who took part in the event for their support.One fundraiser supplied a special sandwich board, advertising the event, free of charge.

That saved the restaurant £100 and helped swell the final total.

THE carers' charity Crossroads presented a cheque for £160 to the tsunami disaster appeal after staff members donated one hours wages or their mobile phone allowance.

Crossroads, based in Hornby Street, provide help and support for carers by carrying out some of their duties, such as a weekly shop or collecting pensions, to give them a much-needed break.