A BIG-HEARTED businessman is hoping to bring some sunshine into the lives of disadvantaged children in the Ribble Valley.

Peter Dowdy, managing director of Trendline Office Interiors, based in Blackburn, is setting up a branch of the Variety Club of Great Britain in the Ribble Valley.

The national charity raises money for holidays and Sunshine coaches to help disadvantaged and disabled children across the UK and abroad. It boasts the likes of Prince Charles and the Duke of Edinburgh as members.

The 57-year-old has been supporting the club for about 10 years, but always felt frustrated that youngsters in parts of East Lancashire were missing out on some of the benefits.

So, as a committee member of the North West branch of the famous club, he applied to set up his own branch based in his home town, Clitheroe.

Peter is now planning his first fundraising events to help launch the branch and is appealing for East Lancashire businessmen to help form a committee.

He said: "The nearest local branches are in Manchester and Liverpool, and while the North West branch covers the whole region, this meant that money wasn't necessarily going to help kids in the Ribble Valley.

"This way every penny raised by the branch will go into providing holidays, days out and Sunshine coaches for local youngsters.

"I am appealing for business people to come forward with ideas and support to make up a committee - they have to bring something to the table."

Among Peter's ideas for forthcoming fundraising events is a pro-celebrity 'foxes and rabbits' golfing competition. This would see celebrities and amateur golfers teeing off in East Lancs for charity.

Anyone interested can phone Peter, who lives in High Moor, on 01200 429451 or at work on 01254 52220.