Gold rush sees village games back on track

THIS year’s Saddleworth’s Village Olympics have been saved by a series of major donations

Organisers were falling short of the £12,000 cost of mounting the three-week competition, and there were fears the event, in its 27th year this summer, wouldn’t happen.

But thanks to an appeal to local businesses, investors, fundraisers and charitable members of the public, it’s now full steam ahead once again in September.

Cash has come in from the Saddleworth Round Table and from the nine Saddleworth councillors — each of whom donated £500 from their allowances.

Organisers also worked with with Tesco in Greenfield to hold a sponsored bag-pack.

Olympics spokesman Steve Bradley said: “We’ve been working very hard to get this money because we want the event to go ahead and be a success.

We’ve had to cut costs in some areas, but the event will still be as big and as fun as ever.

“There are still a couple more grants to come in, but our efforts this year should ensure the Olympics go ahead every year without fail.”