OLIVER'S Army has double reason to celebrate this week.

The group - which campaigns for children's health services in the area - has been granted charity status.

And the new department for children at Trafford General Hospital will be named after the charity. It will be called the 'Oliver's Army Children's Unit'.

The separate six room section for children will be sited in the hospital's upgraded accident and emergency unit, which is due to open in October. It is being decorated with a 'child friendly' theme thanks to the fundraising efforts of Oliver's Army.

Angela Gray, the founder of Oliver's Army says: "I am delighted we are now recognised as an official charity. It means we will be able to apply for lots of grants we could not get before.

"And it is fitting the new unit will be called the Oliver's Army Children's Unit. Everyone who helped us will be able to see where their donation went to."

Oliver's Army has so far raised more than £8,000 to decorate the unit. It will be decorated with a 'jungle theme' - a design that was picked by parents and youngsters after Oliver's Army canvassed their opinions. The unit will include a play area, waiting area and treatment rooms.

Anyone who would like to help Oliver's Army should call Angela on 748 0017.

Margaret Richards got on her bike - and boosted the Oliver's Army fundraising drive.

Margaret, the former leader of Shawe Hall weightwatchers group in Flixton, was sponsored by the members to ride around the north of the Isle of Arran.

The sponsorship cash and funds from raffles helped raise £123 for the charity.

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