ACORNS £4 million appeal is on course to reach the half way mark by Christmas.

Funds to build a new hospice for more than 150 life-limited youngsters now stand at £1.92 million. The appeal grew by a whopping £102,000 last month, with £11,733 raised in Herefordshire alone.

Fundraising co-ordinator Fran Winterbourn said: "People are rallying to our call to join in with the fundraising and help us reach the halfway mark of £2 million by Christmas. This would be such good news for all our supporters and the many families who so desperately need the help and support of the new hospice.

"We need to keep this level of progress going into the New Year and beyond so we can start work on building the new hospice as soon as possible."

The new 10-bed hospice, to be built in Worcester, for children in Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Worcestershire, is expected to open in 2004.

For information on the appeal, to help or make a donation, call 01905 767676 or visit www.acorns.org.uk