LOCAL firms and organisations are buying time for St Catherine's Hospice, in Lostock Hall, near Preston, by taking part in a new scheme.

Melvyn Carter and John Kenyon, of the Lodge of Concorde No. 343, and Tony Brown of Lancashire Waste Services have already donated cash to the fund-raising initiative.

To help St Cath's keep up running costs for one minute, they need £3.

Individuals and companies can donate as much or as little as they want, and will receive a special 'I have bought some time for St Cath's' certificate.

Appeals manager John Nickson said: "We are very grateful to the people who have already raised money for the scheme.

"The hospice costs £1.5 million a year to maintain and we need all the help we can get to raise that amount."

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