LOFTY the Lion jostled with fellow soccer mascots from top clubs across the North-west -- to bring seasonal cheer to youngsters at Derian House children's hospice.

And the Bolton Wanderers mascot got a real roar of approval from the children.

The cuddly lion proved the perfect tonic for 12-year-old Ben Adshead, a keen Wanderers supporter.

The mascot cradled Ben in his giant arms as the youngster, who has not spoken for years due to a rare degenerative condition called Sanflilippo Disease, clearly responded to the unusual visitor.

Mascots from Manchester United, Blackpool, Burnley, and Preston North End were also at the Chorley hospice to lend their support.

Previous rivalries were forgotten as they all united in their bid to boost fund-raising for Derian House.

Lisa Cooke, fund-raising volunteer co-ordinator at the hospice, explained: "We have a target of £980,000 to be reached by this month, and we look to have reached that total.

"We have been given £45,000 from statutory funding, but the rest has all come from fund-raising.

"We take each month as it comes, and we can't afford to sit back and relax and just hope the money comes pouring in."

The hospice, which started nine years ago, provides mainly respite care for 302 children who are terminally ill throughout the North-west.

They concentrate on helping the children and their families come to terms with their feelings, sharing the laughter and the tears.

Bolton boy Ben was diagnosed with having the metabolic disease when he was two years old with doctors predicting that he will not reach his teenage years. He is unable to produce an enzyme to break down and dispose of used material in the body leading to a progressive loss of his vital functions.

But the youngster, who now has to be fed by tube, is still taken to watch the Wanderers in action at home games with his dad, Gary, of Horwich.

Father-of-three Gary explained: "Ben is a gorgeous child. He responds by turning his huge brown puppy dog eyes to look at you.

"When he was two years old he was completely different, a normal, active little boy.

"But we noticed that his speech was slow and his behaviour was becoming very unusual. My wife, Joanne took him to see the doctor.

"He was soon diagnosed with the condition. It was a one in a million chance. It was devastating.

"It has been many years since he last spoke to us. But we don't see the negatives. He enriches our lives and we take him everywhere we possibly can. He has given us so much and Derian House has helped us have time for our other children.

"Ben's a real Lofty fan when he goes to see Bolton play. He is a season ticket holder and enjoys the matches.

"It would have made him really happy to see Lofty in real life."

The hospice has yet to announce its 2002 fund-raising target but is hoping to attract a wealth of interest from Bolton people.

Various events are already being penned into the diary at the hospice including a penalty shoot out involving the top soccer mascots in June.

Those who are interested in helping the hospice are asked to contact them on 01257 234861.