STUDENTS at Blackburn College will be attempting to break the record for the number of people in a Mini.

Money raised by the attempt will benefit all three hospices in East Lancashire.

Sharon Lees, one of the hospice fund-raisers, said: "It's a bit of fun but there is a serious point to it.

"We have been given the Mini by Musbury Fabrics to help us raise money for the three hospices in East Lancashire.

"We are doing this by having a grand raffle and the winner will get a brand new Mini.

"So this record attempt by the students is a great way of letting people know what is happening."

A world record figure of 20 was set by workers from Accrington's Asda supermarket in 2001 but was broken in Germany last year so now the students are aiming to go one better.

The Mini raffle marks the first time Rossendale, Pendleside and East Lancashire hospices have joined forces for a major appeal to raise funds for patient care.

Tickets for the raffle, which is backed by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, cost £1 per each. The draw for the Mini Cooper, which has been supplied by Prestons of Colne will take place in August 2004.

If anyone can help they should contact their local hospice fund-raising Department: Rossendale 01706 240081, Burnley 01282 440120 or Blackburn 01254 660900.

The Mini challenge will be held outside the college's Victoria Building on Thursday January 22 at 3pm.