A PREMIER League side is giving-up a money-making sponsorship to support a Marches hospice.

Aston Villa have gone from villains to heroes by offering a shirt deal to Acorns Children Hospice.

The deal - the first of its kind and potentially worth millions - will see the Acorns logo adorn Villa’s kit for the 2008/09 domestic and European season.

The club has covered the costs of 230 days’ care since their partnership started two years ago.

David Strudley, Acorns’ chief executive, is delighted with the move as the charity provides support for 600 children each year.

“This will bring the charity to a much wider audience and introduce more people around the world to the work of Acorns,” he said.

“It’s a tremendous opportunity and we are absolutely overjoyed that Villa has taken us to their hearts in this way.”