A WATERFOOT-based interior decor company has become Rossendale Hospice’s second patron.

Arthouse bosses presented a cheque for £880 to the hospice after launching a ‘Friends and Family’ sample evening which allowed interior enthusiasts to pick up wall art at discount prices.

Staff at Arthouse will also provide practical help when the hospice moves premises to the new Rossendale Healthcare facilities in Bacup Road, early in the New Year.

Anita Kenyon, managing director of Arthouse, said: “Many of our staff live locally and have seen firsthand the powerful work that Rossendale Hospice carries out, so when we decided that we’d like to adopt one charity to focus our fundraising efforts on, the hospice was our very first thought.”

A team of Arthouse designers are currently helping hospice staff set the colour schemes of the new centre, and will also provide all the wallpaper and wall art free of charge.

Irene Smith, manger of the hospice, said: “We rely on donations of more than half a million pounds to survive every year and we are truly grateful to those local businesses, who can help us achieve this target.”