BIG-HEARTED businessmen got together in Lytham and raised £1,475 for Derian House, a hospice for children in the North West.

The owner of the town's Portofino restaurant threw a sumptuous four-course meal for more than140 guests, completely free of charge - and held a charity raffle and auction.

Billie Jenkinson, of the Derian House South Fylde Support Group, said: "The amount raised this year exceeded all our expectations and was completely brilliant.

"The money will go towards the on-going costs of running Derian House which receives no grants, and no Government funding.

"We are completely dependent on people's generosity, so things like this are vital."

Among the prizes, was a shirt donated by Blackpool Football Club, and a shirt from Blackburn Rovers, signed by the whole team.

Orlando Peracca and his wife Michelle, who own Portofino, said: "We started supporting Derian House, because some of our customers, whose children have been looked after by Derian House, told us about their wonderful work.

"This year we had a fantastic time and raised twice as much money as last year, next year we hope to raise a bigger amount again.

"It was a wonderful atmosphere here. Lots of our suppliers gave free food for the event, and other local businesses gave prizes.

"All commercial considerations were forgotten and everybody came together to help a very good cause."

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