A LOCAL charity has got the bug.

Home-Start Chorley and South Ribble's new mascot Hug Bug was unveiled at a Leyland school on Monday (April 23).

High schools and colleges were invited to enter a competition to design a Home-Start Hug Bug

A special presentation took place at Balshaws High. The winning design was thought up by student Ellen Walmsley who was awarded first prize of £50, with runners-up prizes of £10 each going to Priya Pawar and Lauren Hancock.

The charity, based at Chorley Youth and Community Centre, called in local artist Alan Butterworth and costume designer Karen Griffiths -- who made the winning design into a costume -- to help with the judging.

Hug Bug will promote the Home-Start service which helps support families with young children, helping attract new volunteers.

Home-Start is appealing to parents or grandparents who would like to volunteer their help for a few hours each week to ring 01257 241636. A volunteers training course starts early next month.