A COUPLE who scooped £10,000 in a charity lottery are to give some of the cash back to the children's hospice which organised the draw.

Fran and Gary Norris from Sycamore Avenue, Penwortham, won the cash in the Derian House lottery. Their son Joe died in the hospice near Chorley, six years ago, aged two.

Joe spent the last three months of his life in the hospice while suffering from a brain haemorrhage. Since he died the family has kept in touch with Derian House and Fran said staff had continued to offer support.

She said: "We owe this to Joe because without him we would never have been involved with Derian House and wouldn't have entered the lottery. Derian is such a wonderful place and does a fantastic job."

"When Joe was in Derian House they were absolutely amazing. Our family dog was even allowed to come and see him."

The couple have now promised to plough some of their win back into the hospice which is celebrating its tenth anniversary.

They will also be treating daughters Charlotte, seven, and Jessica, three months and are also thinking about getting double glazing at their home.

The Great Weather Lottery raises thousands for Derian every year through local ticket sales.

Punters have to guess the temperature in different capital cities around the world. The £10,000 prize is the biggest ever in Derian's history.

Derian's general manager Trevor Briggs said: "We're absolutely delighted. It's fantastic that something so positive has come out of their experiences and we're so pleased for them."

The cheque was presented at the tenth birthday party by chair to the trustees, Margaret Vinten and mascot Derian Dog.