GENEROUS Worcester folk can now contribute to a city hospice more easily after a local call centre set up a donations hotline.

Leadline, on New Street, Worcester, has provided the service for anyone wanting to give one-off sums of money or make regular contributions to St Richard's Hospice.

Staff at the call centre, which employs 31 people, will take details of donors and help make arrangements for regular payments.

Previously, people had to call the hospice, on Rose Hill, directly to pledge their financial support.

"We are delighted Leadline are supporting us in this way. It's a hugely generous offer and one we intend to take advantage off," said Tricia Cavell, the hospice's community fund-raising manager.

Clare Cross, managing director of Leadline, expressed her delight at being involved with the hospice.

"The whole atmosphere and philosophy of the people who work there really make it a very special place," she said.

"The important thing now is for people to pick up the phone and realise how easy it is to donate."

St Richard's Hospice looks after 60 per cent of patients who die from cancer in south Worcestershire and last year supported 1,104 patients and their families.

It needs £1.7m this year alone to maintain its services and the new phone line is part of a programme to encourage donors to make regular financial commitments.

It is putting aside money to build a £5m, 15-bed hospice on Wildwood Way, Worcester, which it already has planning permission for.

"We get a huge amount of donations but unless we can rely on them regularly we can't really plan in advance," said Mrs Cavell.

"If everyone reading this article could call and give a one-off donation or commit to a regular gift then that would enormously help towards our target."

The donation line is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm, and on Saturdays from 9am to 5pm. Anyone who wants to contribute can call Leadline on 01905 727444.

n Leadline operator Kate Wyatt, with managing director Claire Cross, accepting a donation for St Richard's Hospice.