A FAN of Christmas is providing a boost to a Messenger backed charity with his brightly decorated home.

Peter Lang's sparkling festive decorations on his house on Davyhulme Road, Davyhulme, help raise money for the Oliver's Army children's charity.

He is asking people who enjoy the house's decorations can show their appreciation by making a donation to the fund.

The charity is calling on SUM readers to ensure it has a bumper Christmas.

'Army' founder Angela Gray wants them to give a festive thought to the group's latest venture to improve healthcare for youngsters in the borough - and contribute to its £50,000 fundraising drive.

The Messenger-backed appeal was launched in September to provide a new children's development centre in the borough.

It has already received sterling backing - with £18,000 in the appeal coffers.

Now Angela is urging supporters to rally to the cause over the festive period: "People are always very generous to us at Christmas. Last year some firms decided not to send Christmas cards and instead gave the money they saved to us. We hope they will do the same again this year.

"People tend to be very generous at this time of year and we would like them to support us."

The latest donations to the appeal include £710 from Paul Murphy of Stretford, who completed the Great Northern Run; £302 from Mr Hall from a sponsored bike ride; £551 raised at the Stu Roadshow night; £50 from Urmston Pet Centre; and £20 from a Mrs Ward.

Anyone who enjoys Mr Lang's home and wants to make a donation can call Angela on 748 0017 or send cheques made payable to 'Oliver's Army' to Messenger, Oliver's Army appeal, Brindley House, 25 Ashton Lane, Sale, M33 6TP.

The children's development centre aims to revolutionise outpatient care, benefiting all youngsters with special needs in the region. It will include a multi-sensory room, soft play equipment, toys, a parents' rest and sitting room, and the whole facility will be decorated in a child-friendly style.

It will treat children with all types of special needs, including conditions such as asthma and diabetes.

Oliver's Army has already run successful campaigns for a new children's ward and accident and emergency facilities at Trafford General Hospital.

Anyone who wants to support the appeal can call Angela on 748 0017.