AN East Lancashire provider of care for those with life-limiting illnesses welcome 30 firms to its breakfast launch of its annual business fundraising drive.

Guests were served heart-shaped crumpet for the St Valentine’s Day event licking off the Pendleside Hospice Corporate Challenge 2019.

They were welcomed by chief executive Helen McVey and Christina Cope, head of corporate, who showcased the services the Reedley hospice provides and introduced this year's sponsor Stitch-It, of Barrow in the Ribble Valley.

From June 1 teams have four months to turn a £50 starter fund into as much as they can

Last year 40 teams raised a record £157,036 – a £60,000 increase on 2017.

Ms Cope said: “In the past three years companies have come up with some fantastic fundraising ideas from sky dives, fire walks and marathons to bake-offs, family fun days and all-you-can-eat competitions.

“Already there has been a fantastic response to this year’s corporate challenge and we are hoping to beat last year’s record number of teams and record total collected.

“There is still plenty of time for companies to enter and put their plans in place."