TO some, an anniversary is 'just another date' in the calendar.

But St Rocco's chairman Norman Banner says he is looking forward to seizing the hospice's milestone as an opportunity to thank everyone for what they have done in the past.

The 67-year-old, from Lymm, has held the position for the last six years and says the anniversary should be about planning for the future as well as looking back.

He added: "It's a challenging period of time but the important thing is to always have a plan to move forward.

"There's not an end to this, it's a journey.

"And when you reach a milestone along the way you can look at how good you are now and how good you are for the future.

"There are those that say a birthday is just another date whether it's a 25 or 10 year anniversary.

"But there's also the opportunity to ponder for a moment and say thank you for what people have done in the past."

The former partner at FDR Law, who has always been involved with the voluntary sector before joining St Rocco's board, says there are many people who deserve praise but Drs Mike Thomas and Richard Johnson, who set up the cause with the help of Richard's wife Elaine, should be at the centre of celebrations.

He added: "I would hate to do a list of thank yous as there are so many people.

"There is so much to thank the two doctors who set up the hospice for including all the work they did and against the odds managing to raise so much money.

"We wouldn't be here without them and their efforts have to be remembered along with the fundraising team and so many volunteers.

"There are so many supporters in the community it would be impossible to name them all but they all deserve a really big thank you.

"I would like to think the charity is regarded as Warrington's favourite and sadly, in a way, it touches more people every year."