ORGANISERS of the £1.3million East Lancashire Hospice Appeal marked the first 12 months of fund-raising by launching 5,000 balloons into the sky.

The balloons were released from the Park Lee Hospice in Blackburn to mark a year in which more than £170,000 was raised towards building an extension for better day care facilities at the site

Before the launch, the balloons were available to buy for £1 and tagged with the sponsor's name and appeals office address.

The tag also carries a message for finders to return them and the sponsor of the balloon that travels the furthest by April will win a voucher for Burlington's restaurant in Ribchester, while the finder will also receive a small prize.

The cost of the competition was met by Blackburn companies Papershade Printers, Ainsworth Jewellers and Rose Bowl Florist, as well as Clitheroe-based Gee and Co Precast Ltd and Omega Stainless in Preston, so all the money raised from the sale of the balloons will go directly to the hospice appeal.

If you are planning an event, call the East Lancashire Hospice Appeals Office on 01254 660900 or reporter Amy Binns on 01254 678678 ext 208.

Donations can be made at any NatWest branch into the East Lancashire Hospice Fund Day Care Unit Appeal account, sort code 012-00-85 a/c 12804509.

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