CHORLEY'S Derian House Children's Hospice is celebrating after being awarded its biggest-ever donation this week -- more than £1million.

The mammoth windfall from the National Lottery will help boost both nursing provision and 'at home' care.

It's second time lucky for the Astley Village hospice which failed in its only other Lottery funding bid.

But despite their obvious delight, Derian bosses stressed the joint award -- over three years -- is still only a drop in the ocean compared to what it takes to keep the hospice open.

Trevor Briggs, Derian House general manager, said: "Now I know what it's like to win the lottery! I'm absolutely over the moon, I couldn't believe it."

Almost £650,000 will go towards the running of the hospice, and primarily be spent on nursing staff.

The remainder, more than £380,000, has been awarded to Derian's five-year-old, 24-hour emergency palliative care for children in the community, providing support for terminally ill children and their families at home.

Mr Briggs said: "It is tremendous news and I think in a way it is an acknowledgement of the critical role we play in the community.

"But it will still mean we have to bring in 82 to 83 per cent voluntary community funding. We are totally reliant on voluntary support.

"Statutory funding is still the same and will still only keep us open eight or nine days a year.