CHILDREN'S hospice Derian House has finally been blessed by lottery luck and been given a cash boost of almost £1million.

It is the first time in its 10 year history that the charity has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery, despite making several bids over recent years.

The hospice is the main source of specialist care for terminally ill children from Bolton.

A total of £380, 914 was given for the development of it's 24 hour emergency palliative care service which helps children in their own homes.

And a further £649,971 was awarded for the day-to-day running of the hospice which is based in Chorley.

The money was part of a cash pot of £64m announced today by the New Opportunities Fund, with the biggest share being £7.8m going to hospices and carers in the North West.

Derian House Manager Trevor Briggs said he was delighted with the grant but stressed that fund-raising was needed more than ever.

He said: "It is fantastic news. It is a tremendous contribution and the money is critical.

"I also feel that it is an acknowledgement of the work we have been doing within the community.

"After we submitted our application last August, the wait was torturous but it is worth it now.

"We still need to find £950,000 from voluntary fund-raising.

"The danger is that people will see this lottery grant and think we won't need any more money.

"We need it now more than ever.

"The money means we can give a more comprehensive service to those who need it but we want to continue the good work."

A total of £64m in grants was announced by the New Opportunities Fund with the North West being awarded £7.8 million for hospices and carers-at-home.

CHILDREN'S hospice Derian House has finally been blessed by lottery luck and been given a cash boost of almost £1million.

It is the first time in its 10 year history that the charity has been awarded a grant from the National Lottery, despite making several bids over recent years.

The hospice is the main source of specialist care for terminally ill children from Bolton and the North-west.

A total of £380, 914 was given for the development of it's 24 hour emergency palliative care service which helps children in their own homes.

And a further £649,971 was awarded for the day-to-day running of the hospice which is based in Chorley.

The money was part of a cash pot of £64m announced today by the New Opportunities Fund, with the biggest share being £7.8m going to hospices and carers in the North West.

Derian House Manager Trevor Briggs said he was delighted with the grant but stressed that fund-raising was needed more than ever.

He said: "It is fantastic news. It is a tremendous contribution and the money is critical.

"I also feel that it is an acknowledgement of the work we have been doing within the community.

"After we submitted our application last August, the wait was torturous but it is worth it now.

"We still need to find £950,000 from voluntary fund-raising.

"The danger is that people will see this lottery grant and think we won't need any more money.

"We need it now more than ever.

"The money means we can give a more comprehensive service to those who need it but we want to continue the good work."

A total of £64m in grants was announced by the New Opportunities Fund with the North West being awarded £7.8 million for hospices and carers-at-home.