A Horwich couple have turned a triple celebration into a large cash "gift" to help destitute asylum seekers living in Bolton.

Ray and Barbara Collett, of Claypool Road, invited around 50 relatives and friends from all over the country to help them celebrate Ray's 70th birthday, Barbara's 65th and their 45th wedding anniversary which all occur around the same time.

But rather than have presents for the special event at the Royal Oak pub at Bradshaw, the couple asked guests to donate to BRASS - the Bolton Refugee and Asylum Seekers' aid group, of which Ray is chairman and his wife a volunteer.

"There are many failed asylum seekers living in Bolton who have absolutely nothing - we give them food, toiletries and a very small amount of money each week," said Ray.

"So when it came to our own celebration, we decided that there was a much greater need for cash to help these people than there was for us to have gifts.

"And people were particularly generous, for which we are very grateful."

The event yielded £368 for the BRASS project - "which really is a cause for celebration", added Ray, who was made Bolton Citizen of the Year last year for all his work with local charities.

Anyone who wants to donate towards the work of BRASS can contact Ray on 01204 667849, email ray.collett@ntlworld.com