MORE than a dozen beds will be hitting the streets of Worcester this weekend as an appeal is launched to build a new hospice in the city.

A helicopter and a tugboat are just some of the modes of transport set to bring in teams of schoolchildren, students and emergency services workers who are all taking part in the sponsored Big Bed Push, in aid of St Richard's Hospice.

Teams from across South Worcestershire will join forces to join in the push, which is part of a family fun day centred on The Shambles, organised to launch the charity's New Hospice Appeal Building Beds Together campaign.

The appeal aims to raise £5.25m to build the hospice to replace the existing St Richard's building in Rose Hill, near the city centre.

The new hospice will include 15 specialist palliative care beds - the first of their kind for seriously ill patients in South Worcestershire.

"The family fun day will see a packed programme of activities and we are hoping that residents from across the area will turn out in support," said a St Richard's spokeswoman.

"Fifteen teams will be joining in the bed push, collecting donations for the appeal as they bring beds along different routes into the city centre.

"Many of the teams will also perform music and dance performances on a stage outside Marks & Spencer in The Shambles during the day.

"Sporting personalities are lending their support, including Premiership rugby players Drew Hickey, Neil Lyman and Darren O'Leary, who will be signing autographs between noon and 2pm.

"Atlantic rower and hospice supporter Richard Wood, from Worcester, will also be signing autographs.

"There will also be a great balloon give-away and children's art contest, to be judged by well-known artist David Birtwhistle."

The appeal will be officially launched at noon with the liberation of a rare white pigeon.

The Big Bed Push and family fun day will take place tomorrow from 10am to 3pm.

Celebrations will continue on Sunday with a special 20th anniversary party for the hospice, to be held on the site of the new hospice at Wildwood Way, Worcester.

To donate to the appeal, call 01905 727444.