STAFF and volunteers from East Lancashire Hospice will be at Asda in Accrington tomorrow to raise awareness of the services they offer to patients and their families in the area.

Liz Crilley, day therapy unit team leader at the recently refurbished hospice in Park Lee Road, Blackburn, said often people had misconceptions about hospices.

The hospice helps people suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses,

She said: "People perceive that the hospice is only for patients when they become very unwell and this could not be further from the truth.

"The hospice provides a lot more than that, from newly diagnosed through to bereavement support for carers and their families.

"One of the major difficulties to overcome is patients and their families fear, obviously due to a wide number of reasons.

"That is why we have decided to come out into the community and attempt to raise people's awareness of our work."

Also on hand will be Harry Grayson, hospice lottery manager, who will distribute lottery leaflets and answer questions on the new fund-raising initiative.

He said: "The lottery is entering the seventh week of the promotional campaign and the lottery office is being bombarded with inquiries.

"Approximately 1,750 people have been signed up to date.

"We need 2,300 by the first draw on Friday, April 4."

Both will be at the store from noon to 3pm.

More information about the lottery is available on 01254 342847.