STAFF will be saying a fond farewell to the long-standing owners of the Mercury Hotel in Westhoughton.

Outgoing owners Glynn and Kwez Heywood have worked at the Manchester Road venue for more than 13 years, and are well known for the annual festive dinners they have hosted for people facing a lonely Christmas Day.

The privately run inn, which is reputedly Britain's first purpose built motel, has been sold to new owners for £125,000.

As part of Glynn and Kwez's send-off, two events will take place this weekend to support the couple's ongoing fundraising efforts for Derian House Children's Hospice in Chorley.

Later this year, Glynn will trek the Great Wall of China for the charity, which provides care and respite for children and young people with life-limiting or life-shortening conditions.

Gemma Hannaford, a member of staff at the Mercury, said: "We have organised these events to say farewell to Kwez and Glynn.

"They have run the Mercury for almost 14 years. They have given so much to the Westhoughton community, notably by holding their Christmas events, and we are very sad to see them go.

"We want to help raise money for this fantastic cause which they have been supporting and hope to see as many people at these events as possible."

A charity cabaret will be held at the Mercury tonight, from 7pm until late, with artists Will Barrow and Geoff Irwin due to perform. The event costs £2 on the door.

An afternoon tea will then take place tomorrow afternoon, between 3pm-6pm, again featuring cabaret artists. Bolton singer Rachel Crowe, the unexpected star on Michael McIntyre's Big Show, and singer Dave E Paul are set to perform. The afternoon tea costs £10 per person.

Glynn and Kwez are due to hand over to the new owners on Monday, however staff say they are pleased to confirm that the Christmas Day lunches will continue.

Glynn posted on Facebook last month: "After 13 plus years we have now sold the Mercury. It is very sad to be leaving such fabulous staff and customers but we are looking forward to some time to relax and see more of our families.

"Our final party night will be September 7 when we will be raising money for Derian House Children's Hospice.We look forward to seeing friends and saying final farewells."

Glynn's Just Giving page has raised £694 for Derian House so far. The hospice's running costs for 2019 are £4million, of which eight per cent is provided through statutory funding. The charity therefore relies heavily on donations from supporters.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/glynn-heywood1.