A group of knitters has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Derian House Children's Hospice by making Terry's Chocolate Orange covers.

The Chocolate Oranges and their covers, which the hospice sells from its site in Chorley, have raised £20,000 in the last two years - a sum that would apparently be sufficient to pay for the hospice's hydrotherapy pool for more than half the year.

Every year, the charity appeals for donations of Chocolate Oranges while a team of knitters creates unique covers with various themes.

From reindeer and snowmen for Christmas, to pumpkins and ghosts for Halloween, and spring chicks and bunnies for Easter, the knitters are able to vary their designs according to the season.

Since 2022, the Chocolate Oranges and their creative covers have raised a total of £20,152 for the care of Derian House's 400 babies, children, and young people.

Chocolate Oranges are currently available to purchase from Derian House for £3 eachChocolate Oranges are currently available to purchase from Derian House for £3 each (Image: Supplied)

This equates to more than 6,666 knitted covers.

Derian House knitter Christine Leavesley, 68, said: "Derian House is local to me and I know how little government funding the charity gets, so I try to help when I can.

"My grandma taught me to knit and crochet, and I’ve made lots of blankets and scarves in my time, so it’s no problem for me to knit some Chocolate Orange covers to help out.

"I just do it while I’m watching TV, it stops me from falling asleep and snoring!

"I know that Derian is a lifeline for the families who need it, which is why I think it’s important for the community to help out."

Kerry Salmon, community fundraiser at Derian House, added: "Care is free to families at Derian House, but it will cost £6 million to run the hospice this year."

Chocolate Oranges are available to purchase from Derian House for £3 apiece.