A POPULAR bakery delivered the icing on the cake when it presented £33,000 to the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.

The money was raised by the Greggs Children's Cancer Research Run held in Heaton Park in May.

Around 1,400 runners took part in a five-mile race or a one-mile family fun run.

It was the fourth time Greggs had organised the run and each year the event gets bigger and better.

The day was launched by Manchester City and former England footballer, Trevor Sinclair from Whitefield, who helped to attract 200 more people than last year.

The money raised was also up on last year by £10,000 which will be used to fund research into children's cancer at the hospital in Pendlebury.

Greggs managing director, Ian Pegg, was joined by several of the runners when he handed over the cheque to Dr Eddie Estilin, a consultant oncologist at the hospital.

Among the group were the family of Bury youngster Joshua Wilson who was left in a sleep-like coma after an operation for a brain tumour but who is now enjoying steady improvement. The five-year-old joined the runners on the day when he was pushed round the five-mile course by his dad, Colin.

Also present was Alison Harrison from Bolton, whose daughter Emma died from cancer at the age of 13.

Mrs Harrison persuaded 180 of her friends and family to take part in the run and was proud to be there to see the cheque handed over.

Other participants included staff and pupils at Elms Bank Specialist Arts College and everyone who took part was presented with a certificate for their efforts.

Commenting on the event, Ian Pegg said; "It's the fourth year Greggs the bakers has organised the event which not only helps raise money for such a worthwhile cause, but it is also a great family day out.

"Greggs would like to thank everyone who participated and help us raise the £33,000."