A COMPANY is helping a charity raise £5.25m for a new hospice.

Lukel Properties, which has moved to new offices in Lower Wick, is working with St Richard's Hospice on the New Hospice Appeal.

The company sent out a donation appeal to 30,000 homes in its property magazine.

Kelly Mikulla, of Lukel Properties said the company was delighted to be involved with raising money for the building, which it is hoped will be open in July 2006.

"This new hospice will be hugely beneficial to the community, and will be a fantastic achievement for everyone who has helped to support this development for people with life-threatening illnesses," said Ms Mikulla.

St Richard's Hospice currently employs 60 staff, and has 600 volunteers attached.