A new rose is set to bloom as a lasting reminder of a Preston charity's efforts to help cancer patients.

The flower has been officially registered as the Rosemere Cancer Foundation rose, after the charity which is based at Royal Preston Hospital.

Only 75 have been grown and they will be available for £25 from next month.

The idea came from supporters of Rosemere, George and Betty Bettany, of Ulverston, and the hybrid tea rose was raised by Lionel Poole of Cardiff who has grown roses for the Queen and

Sue Thompson, chief officer, Rosemere Cancer Foundation, said: "It was a blooming good idea to develop a rose for the Rosemere Cancer Foundation.

"We have a limited number of rose plants available for people to purchase and each rose comes with instructions for planting and maintenance to help keep it healthy and strong. Buying and nurturing the rose will be a unique way to support the charity and will provide a lasting reminder of our efforts to help cancer patients in the region."

The foundation raises more than half a million pounds each year to support the provision of cancer services at the cancer centre.

It pays for a range of things from newspapers for patients to vital cancer research that may help save lives in the future.

To buy a rose call the Rosemere Cancer Foundation on 01772 523454.