BOLTON Hospice is all set to give away £1,500 a week-- thanks to its new lottery to be launched in September.

And the hospice is hoping to be a big winner, too, as the fund-raising initiative helps it cope with an increasingly steep annual bill.

It normally costs £1 million a year to run the hospice but new facilities at the buildings off Chorley New Road will push this figure up to £1.3 million annually.

The first draw will take place on Friday, September 21, with a top prize of £1,000 destined for one winner.

There are 28 prizes in all, including a second prize of £200, a third of £50 and 25 £10 prizes. The stake will be just £1 an entry.

The lottery is a particularly fitting legacy for Bernard Rhead, who had to step down as the hospice's director of fund-raising because of ill-health after seven successful years raising cash and profile.

He masterminded the scheme as the right financial base for the hospice's future over the next 10 years. And Bernard will still be there to see it all happen as he stays on in a part-time consultancy role.

A new lottery manager has been appointed in Louise Ashworth who has an extensive background in newspaper promotions including working for the BEN.

She said: "Even though it's very early days, enthusiasm for the lottery has been strong.

"We want it to be fun for everyone, though it is, of course, a vital fund-raising initiative.

"Having become a centre of excellence for the care of terminally-ill people and now incorporating a new day unit, an out patients' department and a hospice at Home Service, it costs a staggering £170 an hour to operate," added Louise.

"All our services are provided free of charge to patients and their families, meaning that we have to rely heavily on the support of local people. And they have never let us down.

"We do hope that everyone will continue to support us now, and make the lottery a great success."