MORE people used St Richard's Hospice, Worcester, in the past year than ever before, according to figures just out.

The hospice cared for 777 people in the year to March 2001, an increase of nine per cent on the previous 12 months.

New referrals rose to 522, an increase of eight per cent, which brings the total number of patients referred to the hospice since its opening to 4,819.

The hospice, which does not charge, cares for over 60 per cent of cancer patients in South Worcestershire at some point in their illness.

It is hoping to expand and is in talks with Worcestershire County Council over the possibilities.

Hospice fundraisers are running a Wear Yellow campaign during Sunflower Week, which starts on Monday, June 18.

Many shops and offices will be displaying boxes of yellow lapel ribbons and fundraisers are asking people to take part in yellow-related activities.

Appeal organisers are also re-staging the annual sponsored walk on the Malvern Hills, which had to be postponed to September 22 because of foot and mouth. The Cotswold-based Bottle Green Drinks Company has agreed to underwrite the event.

This year, they are hoping to top the record £21,000 raised last year.