MOTORCYCLISTS will be giving a high octane boost to a massive charity campaign this weekend.

About 50,000 visitors to the Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show in Rawtenstall on Sunday will be able to buy tickets to win a Mini Cooper and raise money for East Lancashire's three hospices.

They have just launched a campaign to raise £100,000 using the Mini -- similar to ones used in the new version of classic film The Italian Job -- as a raffle prize.

Helmshore company Musbury Fabrics has donated the brand new car, which appeal organisers hope will come to symbolise the fund-raising drive.

They plan to take it to several major events before the draw next August to publicise the campaign -- starting with the bike show.

The Mini will be on display on Bank Street, Rawtenstall, and volunteers will be on hand selling raffle tickets.

Last year the ever popular show raised £20,000 for charity in its most successful year ever -- with around £9,000 coming from bike parking, more than £5,000 from the ride-in and nearly £2,000 from visitors to the tattoo convention.

This year, for the 11th annual show, organisers have announced that X-treme Trials Display Team will be putting on a stunning show.

The raffle was launched earlier this week at Musbury Fabrics Mill Shop, when the car was unveiled in front of officials and committee members from Rossendale Hospice, Rawtenstall, Pendleside Hospice, Reedley, and East Lancashire Hospice, Blackburn.

Liz Nelson from Rossendale Hospice said: "We're hoping to sell about 3,000 tickets at the show and for the Mini to be a major attraction, despite it being a car and not a bike!

"Rossendale Hospice has been involved with the show for the past six years, providing volunteers to sell programmes and man pay points.

"Over the years we have received £7,000 in donations from the Bike Show. All the volunteers enjoy assisting at the Bike Show and its good to know that such a large event with an international following is being held to benefit local charities and groups.

"In reception at the hospice, we have the Giving Tree on to which engraved brass leaves are placed for anyone donating over £1,000 in a single year. The Rossendale Valley Motorbike Show have reserved their own corner of the tree which they aim to fill with their own leaves."

The appeal is the largest ever conducted by all three hospices together. Tickets for the raffle will go on sale today and cost £1.

Hospice organisers also need someone with a lorry to volunteer to help them move the trailer carrying the Mini Cooper. Anyone who can help should contact Liz on 01706 240081.