A SILSDEN man's beloved racing pigeons have raised a lofty sum for charity.

Geoffrey Spaven's dying wish was that the birds should be sold and the proceeds go to Manorlands and the Salvation Army.

As a result, £3,000 has been donated to the Oxenhope Sue Ryder hospice and £1,000 to the Salvation Army.

Mr Spaven spent the final few weeks of his life being cared for at Manorlands.

He died there in December, aged 73, after a long battle with cancer.

His widow Sharon and daughter Jessica have visited the hospice to present a cheque.

"It was Geoffrey's wishes that his racing pigeons – which were his life's passion – be sold after his death to support the two causes," said Mrs Spaven.

"The gift to Manorlands is a nice way of thanking the Sue Ryder staff for all the care they gave to Geoffrey."

Andrew Wood, a fundraiser at the hospice, thanked the family for its support.

"We are extremely grateful for this very substantial amount – it will enable us to provide many hours of care for local people who really need it," he added.