A SPONSORED walk is being organised in a bid to safeguard the future of Rossendale hospice.

The valley's dog warden Dave East and the Rossendale Dog Club have organised a sponsored walk to help raise funds.

It is hoped the event will help the hospice pay off a £100,000 debt.

The hospice, at Cribden House, Rawtenstall, is facing the huge shortfall in funding for the first time since it opened its day centre in 1990.

Bosses say the deficit is down to a big drop in donations which it partly attributes to people backing national and international charities.

And in a bid to ensure the hospice remains in the valley, people with or without dogs are invited to take part in the three mile walk.

Participants are asked to generate sponsorship or pledge a donation in aid of the hospice.

Mr East said: "Like other hospices, Rossen-dale is suffering financial difficulties.

"I have personal experiences of the wonderful work that is done by hospice because my wife died from cancer 10 years ago.

"I hope lots of people take part in the walk to help raise a lot of money."

The event is at Marl Pits, Rawtenstall on Sunday, May 28 at 1.30pm. Contact Mr East on 01706 244552.