CHARITY begins at home for the Hamill family who have raised £250 for the Observer hospice appeal.

Bob Hamill, whose wife Anne was cared for at the hospice during her last days, runs the Anne Hamill Charity Appeal for which he has raised almost £30,000.

Now brother Derek has decided to dedicate the money given to him for his 60th birthday to the Observer appeal.

Derek, of Links View, Bamford, celebrated his 60th at Newtown Social Club.

Bob said: "Derek thought rather than people buying him aftershave or a bottle of wine that they could give £5 or £10 to give to the Observer appeal.

"Some people gave £5, £10 or even £20, they were very generous."