HOSPICE fundraisers are promoting the "farest" lottery in the land.

When the new local hospice opens later this year at Hindley, money needed to ensure it continues running smoothly will be bolstered by proceeds from the ongoing weekly lottery.

And ensuring the message about what's currently on offer gets maximum publicity, lottery leaders have teamed-up with Leigh coach operator Jim Stones to take their plans a stage further.

Jim's pristine fleet of eye-catching buses will bear adverts for the first time - all promoting the Wigan and Leigh Hospice Lottery.

Jim, who after 28 years in business is the area's longest established coach operator, explained at his Hope Carr Way depot:"I support what the hospice stands for and am happy to promote a charitable organisation which exists to help people from this area."

Delighted Hospice Lottery manager Brian Halliwell told The Journal:"As a local hospice serving the Leigh district we really appreciate the co-operation of Jim Stones in allowing us to advertise on his coaches.

"Lottery subscribers have doubled in the last year because of the generosity of local people.

"The lottery funding underpins the financial stability of the hospice operation. Plus its a local lottery to benefit local people."

Hospice 2000 Lottery application forms will be distributed on board Jim Stones' vehicles.

Participants in the Friday draws have the weekly chance of winning £1,000 cash for first prize and £250 second prize graded down to £10.

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