A RADIO station is encouraging listeners to dress up as superheroes to help raise funds for a children's hospice based in the city.

Free Radio will donate 50 per cent of the donations from its Cash for Kids Superhero Day to Acorns Children's Hospice.

Schools and offices are being urged to organise their own superhero fancy dress days as part of the event on May 4.

Lynne Carter, head of fundraising at Acorns, said: "Whether it’s with friends or colleagues, at school or work, this is a brilliant chance for budding supermen and women to get fundraising and make a difference.

"Let your imagination go wild, have some fun and at the same time raise vital funds towards the nearly £10million it costs for Acorns to continue caring for children and their families across the region.”

John Stratton, regional fundraising manager for Free Radio Cash for Kids, added: “We’re thrilled to be helping Acorns celebrate their 30th year by supporting them through our superhero day.

“As a local charity where all the money we raise stays in the West Midlands, we hope our listeners, businesses and schools across the area will release their inner superhero and get involved.

“The money raised will make a real difference to local children supported by Acorns, along with the other projects and small charities across the area that will be helped through our grant giving programme.”

Acorns has cared for over 870 children and more than 1,090 families over the past year.

The charity looks after children suffering from life threatening illnesses.