CAMPAIGNERS fighting to reverse the decision to close 32 of Lancashire's care homes have been awarded legal aid to fight their case in the High Court.

But now, members of the Lancashire Care Homes United group, formed to fight Lancashire County Council's plans to axe the homes and move hundreds of old folk, are fundraising to ensure they have a war chest to help cover other costs.

The campaigners' law suit against Lancashire County Council is one of three the authority is facing as a result of deciding to close the homes, the first of which will shut next year.

The Lancashire Care Association, which represents private sector homes, is fighting the plans because, ultimately, it will mean fewer people going into public and private homes, with old folk being cared for in their own homes instead.

Local councils, including Burnley, Pendle and Ribble Valley are also instructing solicitors in Manchester to see if they can fight the closures as well. The campaigners' fight is based on the decision infringing the human rights of a list of named residents which they hope will total one from each of the axed homes by the time they put their legal papers into the High Court.

Lynne Atkinson, one of the action group committee members, said: "Getting legal aid is really good news for us because it will help ease the cost of fighting this uncaring decision.

"But we still need to raise money to cover the costs we have incurred so far.

"There will be other costing in the future, like getting people around."

To that end, members of the action group in Hyndburn plan to hold a fundraising night complete with cabaret and celebrity auction.

Lynne added: "We have written to so many people and companies to try and get support.

"So many people have been helpful and we are grateful for their support."

Among the things going up for auction are signed pictures of the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang cast from the West End show, Norman Wisdom and other pictures.

Signed footballs from local teams have also been donated, along with items such as computers from local firm Computer Doc.