TWO amateur poets are raising money for a childrens hospice with a festive "greatest hits" of their work.

Anne Wareing and Kath Eccleston, who worked together at Maureen Cookson ladies fashion shop, George Street, Whalley, for more than 20 years, have a growing army of followers for their "Doris and Elsie" saga.

The first four volumes raised more than £1,300 for Derian House in Chorley.

They tell the everyday lives of Doris and Elsie, who live in Clitheroe.

Their husbands, Bert and Len, make regular appearances along with "her at number four".

Now the authors have published a book of the best poems, with 50p from the sale of each copy going to the hospice.

Derian House relies on voluntary donations for 98 per cent of its funding to offer care for children a specialist setting.

It is one of 43 in England and needs £1.45million in funding each year.

Kath, of Kemple View, Clitheroe, said: "We are both grandparents and we are fond of children so we found we wanted to support Derian House. It is a lovely place, it is very calm.

"We get a lot of pleasure out of it. Something will trigger a poem and we're away. I think people like them because they can relate to them."

Anne, of New Church Close, Clayton-le-Moors, said: "Derian House is a cause near to our hearts. I help out there as well, I am a volunteer. It is a fantastic place and if it wasn't for people raising money they just wouldn't be there."

Hospice manage, Trevor Briggs, said: "Anne and Kath are doing a tremendous job for us. They are committed to Derian and not only raise much needed funds but also the profile of the hospice, which is so important.

"It is always an ongoing challenge.

"We rely almost totally on voluntary funding and it has been a challenging year but people are very supportive." The book, the Best of Doris and Elsie, costs £5 and is available at Maureen Cookson, KD Books, Moor Lane, Clitheroe, Blackburn Visitors Centre, Church Street, Radio Lancashire, Darwen Street, Blackburn or by calling 01200 425650.