SUPERMAN and a host of other celebrities have given their backing to a mammoth fund-raising afternoon at Hoghton Tower this Sunday.

Push 2000 - a 1,200 mile wheelchair push by three paraplegics from Lands End to John O'Groats - is stopping off for the family fun day in aid of The International Spinal Research Trust.

Christopher Reeve, Princess Diana and the event's host Sir Bernard de Hoghton are just three of the charity's patrons.

Sackfuls of 10 pence pieces are being collected to line Hoghton Tower's long drive during the fun day.

Blackburn College lecturer Val Edge, who was inspired to help organise the event by close family friend Paul Deverell-Smith who broke his neck in a riding accident said they hoped to raise £500,000 during the day for vital research into treatment for paralysis."

Entertainment includes line dancing, the Royal Lancashire Morris Men and Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band and dozens of children's attractions.

Entrance is £1 for adults and 50p for children between noon and 4.30pm.

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