BUCKET collections are being held this weekend to raise vital funds to care for patients at a much-loved hospice.

Nurses, staff and supporters of St Luke’s Hospice will be volunteering their time in towns and villages across Cheshire on Saturday, February 9.

The annual Love St Luke’s bucket collection raised more than £3,500 for the hospice last year.

Organisers hope this year's Valentine themed fundraising campaign will once again help to raise awareness and collect much needed cash.

Hospice chief executive Neil Wright said: “I will be wearing my St Luke’s T-shirt with pride this weekend as I join colleagues and volunteers at our annual bucket collection.

"As we are a 24-hour service it is often very difficult for teams across the hospice to get together at the same time so the bucket collection is a wonderful way for us to come together and have some fun while raising money.

“As well as an important way to raise money for our patients, it is also a chance to remind our community that we are their local Hospice. If you are out and about this weekend and see our collectors please give them a wave and support them if you are able. "Every penny we receive will make a difference.”

Bucket collections will be taking place in Winsford, Middlewich, Northwich, Sandbach, Tarporley,Holmes Chapel, Alsager, Audlem, Nantwich and Crewe.