THE family of a woman fighting throat cancer has thanked the Tyldesley community for their support and impressive fundraising efforts.

Dinner lady Andrea Thompson, of Oak Street, has undergone chemotherapy and an operation to remove a tumour from her throat since being diagnosed with the killer disease in June.

The 58-year-old was allowed home from a five-week stay at Salford Royal Hospital on Christmas Eve and was overwhelmed to hear that fundraising efforts organised by her daughters Laura and Amy have raised more than £8,000.

The money is going to The Christie hospital in Manchester, where Andrea is being treated.

Laura said: "When she heard how much we had raised she couldn't quite believe it and she thinks it is brilliant.

"We can't thank people enough for all the support we have had and all the money people have helped us to raise."

Fred Longworth High School, where Andrea has worked as a dinner lady for almost 20 years, raised more than £2,000 through a number of events, including a cake bake and non-uniform days, as well as raffle ticket sales.

Tyldesley's Bar One Ten staged a fundraising concert and auction event which included live performances from bands Paddy Peters, 2Toned and Young Once.

Football and rugby shirts were auctioned off, including ones signed by Manchester United legends Sir Bobby Charlton, Nobby Stiles and Bryan Robson.

The event also included facepainting while family friend Paul Crank raised more than £1,500 by having his head shaved.

Laura added: "We would like to thank the bands who played and gave up their time for free and all the people who donated auction and raffle prizes.

"We would also like to thank those who bought auction items and raffle tickets and each and every person who gave up time to help organise things and turn up on the day to support us and an amazing charity that helps so many people.

"Without The Christie some members of the community would no longer be with us."

Andrea is having a period of recuperation before returning to The Christie for further chemotherapy.