STAFF at a town hospice are going quackers as they launch a new fundraising drive.

Primrose Hospice, in St Godwalds Road, provides care and support for people in Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wythall with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses. But the hospice needs £450,000 a year to keep it going.

Almost all the funding for the hospice, which includes a day centre and six beds at the Princess of Wales Hospital, has to be raised by voluntary contributions.

Community fundraiser Lyn Winters has now come up with the idea of selling cuddly toy ducks to companies and individuals.

"Some people will think I'm quackers but the cute little ducks are really appealing and we are hoping that people will take pity on them and give them a good home," said Lyn.

"The ducks will be sold individually from the hospice or from shops in the town. Companies can buy them in groups of 12 and we can even deliver them to their 'new' homes.

"The work we do can only continue if we get the funding we need so I hope people will give a 'duck' a good home and help a very good cause at the same time," she added.

The hospice has been open for 15 years and employs 20 people. Anyone interested in buying a duck or helping with fundraising can call Lyn on 01527 875444.