Rugby clubs in Lancashire are joining together with Chorley’s Derian House Children’s Hospice in a partnership to raise money and seek sponsorship.

The aim is to raise funds to provide care for terminally ill children across the county and support their families as well as helping to provide facilities for young people to play and enjoy rugby.

The initiative was launched by former England captain and rugby legend Bill Beaumont, who explained the aims of the partnership.

Bill, who owns a textile mill in Chorley, was joined by leading rugby officials and Margaret Vinten of Derian House.

Cliff Barker, the president of Lancashire Rugby Football Union, said: “We are proud of the way we provide facilities for young people to play and enjoy rugby here in Lancashire.

“But we have recognised the need for some kind of central funding which would allow clubs to seek grants to help them improve what they offer.

“We are very pleased to be associated with Derian House and we hope that by working together we will be able to raise those important funds that will allow us to develop initiatives for the benefit of youngsters, while providing crucial care and support for terminally ill and life threatened children.”

Susie Poppitt, of Derian, said: “We’re delighted to be involved in this joint venture with the Lancashire Rugby Football Union.

“In addition to our ongoing funding requirements we are currently raising funds to staff and equip our new purpose-built Young Person’s Unit. It’s hoped that this partnership will be the means of making a substantial contribution to the campaign.”

The funds raised will be divided equally between the two charities.