HOSPICE Care for Burnley and Pendle is hoping to coin it in with the launch of a foreign currency campaign.

A revolution in European currency took place on January 1 with the introduction of the Euro to replace the traditional currency in twelve European countries.

All the old currency will cease to be legal tender after March 31.

Pendleside Hospice, Reedley, is planning to cash in from the change over.

From Monday visitors to any of the seven Hospice shops in the area can leave their left over foreign currency in specially marked collection boxes. Travelcare on Curzon street, Burnley, are also backing the campaign and have already handed over cash.

Kaye Bartle, fund-raising manager at the Hospice said: "We're hoping that the introduction of the Euro will inspire people to do something constructive with their unwanted foreign currency.

"After March 31 people will not be able to convert their obsolete currency through banks or other foreign exchange outlets. But it can help us toraise thousands of pounds to fund our vital work.

"So please dig deep into those drawers and donate your foreign coins and notes."

The Hospice can also convert old British coins, medals, tokens, medallions, cap badges, bank notes, both British and foreign, old jewellery and watches, even if they are broken.

The Hospice needs to raise £800,000 a year to help them look after local people from the Burnley and Pendle areas suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.