Lammack FC is giving school children in Blackburn the chance to design its new football kit.

For the first time ever, Lammack Juniors has donated its kit sponsorship to East Lancashire Hospice, whose logo will be displayed on the players' shirts for the next three years.

The sponsorship would normally cost £7,000.

To celebrate the kind gesture, the team has launched a competition for local pupils to dream up the new design, which must feature the hospice's logo and the team colours of red, white and blue.

Ian Jones, Chairperson for Lammack FC, said: “For some years we have been lucky to have a commercial sponsor for our kit and when the discussion started recently about who we should approach next, we decided to think outside of the box by offering the kit sponsorship to a local charity to provide them with valuable exposure within our community.

"We are aware that all charities are struggling to generate income at the present time due to the pandemic, and as a community club we recognise the importance that East Lancashire Hospice plays to the people of Blackburn, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley and we are delighted to be able to support them."

East Lancashire Hospice needs to raise approximately £3.9 million per year in order to care for patients in the hospice and the wider community.

The pandemic has left it with a £650,000 shortfall so far this this financial year.

Katie Elliott from East Lancashire Hospice said: “We are incredibly grateful to Ian and all of the team at Lammack Juniors for this wonderful gift."

She added: "We recognise the significant value attached to the kit sponsorship, both in terms of monetary value and in terms of the chance for us to raise our profile in the local community which is only possible due to the generosity of the club."

To enter the competition, see facebook.com/LammackFC