KIND-HEARTED county residents are being urged to celebrate Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas and raise cash for a Worcester hospice at the same time.

Acorns Children's Hospice Trust is asking people across Worcestershire to hold a party with a difference, and has produced a special party pack complete with a banner, invitations, balloons, recipes and ideas to help make your party the fun way to raise funds.

Helena Moss, an Acorns spokeswoman, said: "With Christmas less than two months away, Halloween and Bonfire Night round the corner and anniversaries and birthdays to celebrate, there has never been a better time to party - especially when your celebrations could help raise much-needed funds for Acorns new children's hospice."

The new £4m hospice is currently being built in Bath Road, near Worcester city centre, and the charity desperately needs to raise a final £550,000 to turn it from a house into a home, including buying specialist medical equipment.

Specialist care

"Adding fund-raising to your party will help Acorns equip and furnish the new hospice, which will provide specialist care for 250 life-limited youngsters from Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire," added Ms Moss.

"Fun, laughter, music and friendship are vital ingredients for a great party, but fund-raising can also give your event a real twist - adding an excuse for games, challenges, competitions or even a special Acorns cocktail.

"So why not get together with friends, family or work colleagues and have a party for Acorns?"

The 10-bed unit will offer respite, emergency and respite care and will include a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory rooms, and family rooms as well as facilities for young children and teenagers.

It is due to be completed by December, welcoming families early next year.

For your party pack, call Acorns on 01905 767676 or e-mail amy.patton@acorns.org.uk