BURY's Woman of the Year is hoping everything comes up roses when she throws down her challenge for Bury Hospice.

As part of the Radcliffe-based hospice's fund-raising Red Rose Festival, well-known runner Marie Caldwell is organising the Holcombe Challenge, to be held on Sunday, April 21.

The annual hill climb, which is not a race, was cancelled last year because of the foot and mouth outbreak.

Mrs Caldwell said: "Sadly, this resulted in the hospice losing several hundred pounds in sponsorship and donations. That is why I am appealing to everyone to help make up the deficit this year, by getting more people to take part.

"I have been organising the challenge for nine years now and have always been grateful to see so many people supporting this event, year after year."

Miss Meadbh McSweeney, a nurse/massage therapist who treats cancer patients at the Bon Secours Hospital in Cork, will start the event.

The day before she will be presenting a seminar at the Northern Institute of Massage, Mrs Caldwell's company, to 20 practitioners from all over the UK, with a percentage of the seminar fees being donated to the hospice in Dumers Lane, Radcliffe..

Mrs Caldwell added: "All finishers will receive a certificate and the chance of winning one of the many spot-prizes.

"Those wishing to take part should just turn up at the Hare and Hounds at Holcombe Brook for the 11am start on Sunday, April 21 with either sponsorship or a donation."

Tomorrow (Sat April 13), the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury will be the guests of honour at the Red Rose Ball at the Longfield Suite, Prestwich.