MORE than £3,000 has been raised for the East Lancashire Hospice over the last two years, thanks to a savings scheme run by the Cheshire Building Society.

The national initiative, launched in January 2004 raised £1,600 in the first year and £1,800 has just been counted from its second year in operation.

The caring for hospices' scheme provides interest on savings for customers while the building society make a donation to the saver's chosen charity.

Interest is paid annually on December 31 with one per cent of the balance from each hospice savings account matched by the society.

Hospice head of fundraising Harry Grayson said "Once again the Accrington branch of the Cheshire has been magnificent and I would like to thank the management and staff at Accrington for their hard work and kind considerations in choosing East Lancashire Hospice.

"Our thanks are also extended to all savers who participated in the scheme and to Cheshire Building Society Head Office for their generosity and support"

Any businesses, organisations or individuals who would like to support the Hospice should contact Harry on 01254 660900.