FUND-RAISERS at St Richard's Hospice are calling on Worcestershire residents to spare a little love for patients with life-threatening illness by supporting their annual Valentine's raffle.

The raffle was started five years ago and has proved very popular with local people and generates good support from businesses which donate prizes.

Fund-raisers hope to raise £11,000 from this year's raffle - cash that will go to the hospice's work with more than 1,400 patients and families each year.

Tickets cost £1 each and include prizes such as bed & breakfast at the Abbey Hotel, Malvern, or The Granary Hotel in Kidderminster, a year's membership at Worcester's Nicola's Gym, worth £400, and a Valentine's fragrance set worth £200 from Beatties department store.

Anyone who would like to buy tickets, which are on sale until next Friday, February 11, can do so at St Richard's shops or by calling 01905 763963. The winning tickets will be drawn by the Mayor of Worcester, Allah Ditta, on Valentine's Day.

"There are some great prizes to be won and the money is vital to helping us continue our care for patients and families in the area."

Anyone who would like to buy a ticket, which are on sale until next Friday, February 11, can do so at St Richard's shops or by calling 01905 763963. The winning tickets will be drawn by The Mayor of Worcester, Allah Ditta, on Valentine's Day.

"Valentine's Day is the ideal time to spare a little love for St Richard's Hospice by supporting our raffle," said fund-raising manager Tricia Cavell.