Schools are being encouraged to make as much noise as possible on June 21 to help East Lancashire Hospice.

The Lancashire Telegraph is running the Raise the Roof appeal to raise £125,000 to build a new roof over the hospice’s inpatients unit.

With the help of the hospice, we have organised a sponsored Raise The Roof Day on the hospice's birthday, Tuesday, June 21.

And we are inviting schools in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley to take part on the day by making as much noise as possible for ten minutes.

The activity could be held in your assembly hall, in the playground or out on your school field.

We will provide sponsorship forms for participants and publish a list of all schools taking part.

The Lancashire Telegraph will visit as many schools as possible on the day to take pictures of your fundraising efforts.

Sharon Crymble, fundraising manager, said: “The Raise The Roof Day on the hospice’s birthday is a brilliant idea.

"It should be a great way for schoolchildren and their teachers to raise money for our appeal while having a lot of fun at the same time.

“Children are sometimes told not to be noisy at school but this will be one occasion when the more noise you can make the better!”

East Lancashire Hospice was built 27 years ago and the old roof has fallen into disrepair.

The hospice, in Park Lee Road, Blackburn, supports people in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley who have terminal and life-threatening diseases.

It relies on fundraising, donations and grants to help offer specialist, supportive and end of life care for patients and their families, both at the hospice and in their home.

It already needs to raise approximately £2.8 million each year to continue doing this work, and it is important that any money used to buy a new roof does not come from funds allocated to patient care.

* If you are interested in taking part, contact Neil Docking on 01254 298271 or email neil.docking@northwest.newsquest.co.uk, or click the link below to download a sponsorship form.