A GROUP of Vale sixth form students will push off this week - to raise funds for St Richard's New Hospice Appeal.

Pupils from Evesham High School are taking part in the official appeal launch on Saturday. The group is one of 15 teams planning to push a hospital bed into Worcester city centre, collecting donations for St Richard's £5.25m redevelopment en route.

Gill Brookes, assistant headteacher at Evesham High School said: "Our sixth formers are very community-minded and are keen to contribute to a very worthwhile charity. "

Hospice spokeswoman Helen Griffee said: "Thanks to donations St Richard's has already been able to buy the land for the new hospice and is well on the way to raising the appeal. But much more is needed to building the new hospice."