FESTIVAL revellers heading for Worden Park, in Leyland, on Saturday, are being urged to sign up to the world's largest service organisation.

Members of the Leyland and Cuerden Valley Lions Club, who will be situated on the park throughout the day, are calling on revellers to pop along and join their fund-raising group.

It is part of the group's drive for new members in a bid to raise loads of cash for dozens of needy causes.

Since their formation 25 years ago, the Leyland and Cuerden Valley Lions Club -- then a male only group -- has helped hundreds of charities in the area.

With more than two dozen members, the club is a thriving concern, and very active within the community. Regular fund-raising events raised heaps of money for hundreds of good causes.

However, around 10 years ago, membership slipped into decline and the club was struggling to survive with barely a handful of regular fund-raisers on the books.

But a couple of years ago the tide turned after the club opened its doors to women members. A steady flow of helpers kept the organisation afloat and nowadays it has around 12 women members.

Annually, the caring bunch take part in an endless stream of fund-raising events as well as supporting other charitable concerns, including Lostock Hall Carnival, the Royal Lancashire Show and various events at the Sue Ryder Home, in Bamber Bridge.

Recent donations have also included camping equipment for a Guides' camp trip, money to Lancashire Head Injuries and the Turkish disaster fund as well as cash handouts to Preston Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Members have also dug deep to help a local teaching student journey to India, raised money for the Lions Water Well appeal for Ghana and donated cash to the Mayor's nominated charities.

The club's president, Ann James, said: "Our need now is to encourage more people to join us which will enable us to do so much more. Every penny we raise for charity is given out, with running costs coming from the annual subscription of members."

The club meets at the Royal British Legion Club, in Brownedge Road, Lostock Hall, Preston, on the first and third Thursday in every month, at 7.45pm. For more information call Ann on 01254 832860.