Big-hearted cricket superstar Andrew 'Freddie' Flintoff has revealed Chorley's Derian House Children's Hospice will benefit from a dinner held to celebrate him becoming a freeman of Preston.

The Preston-born Ashes hero personally requested that proceeds from the event, including £5 from each ticket plus a raffle and memorabilia auction, will go to the Astley Village hospice.

Derian House general manager Trevor Briggs is delighted with the decision. He said: "This is good news and a real New Year boost for us.

"I'd like to thank Andrew. To be associated with such a high achieving sports personality will increase our profile and generate funds."

Tickets for Flintoff's formal freeman ceremony dinner went on sale to the public from 10am yesterday, Tuesday.

The dinner, to be held at the Guild Hall on Friday, January 20, will be the icing on the cake for the international hero as he officially becomes an honorary freeman of his home city.

Priced at £30 each, the ticket includes a three-course traditional Lancashire meal and entertainment. Ashton Community Science College Band will play as guests arrive from 7pm and there will be a raffle offering cricket memorabilia prizes.

A total of 300 tickets went on sale to the public on Tuesday through the Guild Hall box office. Tickets will be limited to four per person.

Councillor Harold Parker, chair of the cross party mayoralty, civics and freedoms group, said: "Having dinner with someone who is so well respected and admired locally, nationally and internationally is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I expect there will be a high demand for tickets.

"Tickets are limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis, the fairest method.

"Anyone who is unable to buy tickets will still be able to come down to the Flag Market where Andrew will address his fans on the day."

Flintoff, who this week was awarded an MBE in the New Year honours list, said: "I'm delighted to be awarded this prestigious honour.

"I have always been very proud of my roots and am looking forward to and excited about seeing as many people as possible at the event."