WHEN Eric Sleightholme celebrated his 75th birthday earlier this month he asked for no presents - instead, his relatives and friends donated more than £350 to St Leonard's Hospice, York.

More than 200 people - all invited by Eric - dropped into Bishopthorpe Social Club to wish him a happy birthday, to listen to the band and to take part in the bingo and raffles.

The arrangements for the evening were made by Eric's daughters Judy Gulwell and Linda Wood, and his son Clive and wife Rita, who organised the catering with the help of their daughters Carol, Sally and Ruth.

Judy, who is an assistant housekeeper at the hospice, said: "We had a wonderful evening, and my dad enjoyed himself very much.

"It was his own idea that we should ask for donations to the hospice instead of presents. My mum died in St Leonard's in 1988, and we have always felt very close to the work it does for everyone in the local community. We are all very pleased to have been able to raise so much at the party."

Updated: 10:18 Saturday, March 23, 2002