A cancer charity is kicking off celebrations for a milestone anniversary with support from one of the borough’s most famous sons.

Bury Cancer Support Centre on Bury and Bolton Road will celebrate its 20th anniversary this weekend with former Manchester United and England star turned football pundit Gary Neville as its special guest.

The charity, which provides a range of services for people living with cancer, will also launch its 20th year campaign with the aim of raising £20,000 over the next year, using the number 20 as its theme.

In order to thank generous supporters of the charity, it also plans to create a wall of thanks at it’s centre, displaying the names and logos of those who have helped them on their journey.

Centre manager Jan Katana said the support that Gary and his family have given the centre over the years has been "really important" to them. 

Bury Times: Bury-born Gary Neville is a long-time supporter of Bury Cancer Support CentreBury-born Gary Neville is a long-time supporter of Bury Cancer Support Centre (Image: PA Wire/PA Images)

However, she says the event is also a chance for for her to say thank to her staff and supporters for the support they've given the centre, which began life in a church before aquiring its own premises 10 years ago. 

She said: "The reason that we're celebrating is just for us to take a moment and look back on what we've achieved. 

"We've been able to achieve what we've achieved because of people in the local community and further afield. "

Over the next few months, the charity will be putting on a number of different fundraising events.

It has also team up with Derby High School and The Met theatre for a production of "Twenty!" on Thursday, May 18, in which students will put on series of performances including music, dance and poetry in celebration of the centre's two decades of service. 

"We have an exceptional team of staff and volunteers," Jan added.

"They are incredible and I can ask them to do anything, it is a real honour to head up the team."