TWO charities have received a cash boost after the widow of retired businessman, Thomas Burton Fryer, was overwhelmed with donations and cards.

Mr Fryer, 73, of Colne, died in Yorkshire Clinic, Bingley, on March 23, after losing his battle against cancer.

His wife Doris asked for family flowers only and donations to the two charities.

More than 160 cards and many letters, including some from Switzerland, the Faroe Islands and Ireland, as well as more than £1,000 of donations came flooding in.

She said: "I have sent £560 to Burnley and Pendle Hospice, £400 to Cancer Research and some of it will be spent on rose trees at Skipton Crematorium."

Mr Fryer had lifelong connections with St Mary's Church, Nelson, and worked at Whalley Bank Mill, Blackburn for 20 years before retiring in 1990.