STAFF have said 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 took place 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.
Staff say they are pleased to confirm that the Christmas Day lunches will continue.
Glynn posted on Facebook: "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.”
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.