HOSPICE campaigners will be stepping out in style at a fashion show, auction, dinner and dance in aid of better day care facilities for seriously ill patients.

The 'Evening of Entertainment' is being organised by Darwen business owners David and Jenny Grogan, of Solitaire Fashions, Duckworth Street.

David said: "I was really impressed when I went to the hospice at Park Lee and saw the work they do. The nurses explained to me that the day therapy sessions were so successful that they need more space."

The couple have decided to donate all profits from the evening on October 5 to the £1.3 million appeal to build an extension to the hospice for day patients and Macmillan nurses.

A catwalk show of clothes from Solitaire and Blackburn menswear store Roy Marlor, will start the evening at the Bear Hotel, Darwen, followed by a Mexican meal.

Manchester United have given a football signed by the treble-winning team, to be auctioned with other sporting memorabilia. David is also hoping to arrange a VIP trip to a Boyzone concert with a stretch limousine and an opportunity to meet the boys to be auctioned.

Tickets are already on sale for a super raffle to be drawn on the night.

For tickets, costing £20, call David or Jenny on 01254 706376. For more information about fundraising or making a donation, call the East Lancashire Hospice on 01254 342810.

Donations can be made at any NatWest branch into the East Lancashire Hospice Fund Day Care Unit Appeal account, sort code 01-00-85 a/c 12804509.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.