EAST Lancashire's three hospices have joined forces for the first time ever in a major appeal to raise funds for patient care.

Rossendale, Pendleside and East Lancashire hospices are appealing for ticket sellers to help drive their Mini Raffle appeal.

The hospices have been donated a brand-new Mini Cooper car by Musbury Fabrics to give away as the star prize of the raffle but they need more help selling the raffle tickets.

Stuart Andrew, head of fundraising for East Lancashire Hospice, said: "This is the first time that all three hospices have joined forces in this way.

"To make a raffle of this size successful you have got to have all the hospices joining together.

"We want to help as many people in East Lancashire as possible.

"It is nice that the hospices are coming together in this way because, at the end of the day, we are striving to provide the same service."

But the hospices are looking for extra volunteers to give their fundraising a boost.

Stuart added: "The appeal is a great chance to raise much-needed funds for the hospices and we are delighted with the response so far.

"But we have had difficulty in getting enough volunteers to sell the tickets. What we need now to give the appeal a boost are more people who are prepared to help selling books of tickets."

Tickets for the raffle, which is supported by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, cost £1 per each.

If anyone can help they should contact their local hospice fundraising Department:

Rossendale 01706 240081; Burnley 01282 440120; Blackburn 01254 660900.