WORLD Superbike legend Carl Fogarty has thrown his weight behind East Lancashire Hospice’s Christmas fundraising campaign.

The 49-year-old, currently impressing the nation with his antics on I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here, features on the charity’s leaflets and adverts for this winter’s Sponsor ‘Me’ Santa event.

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The hospice - which has also enlisted the help of Blackburn Rovers stars - wants people to dress up as Santa to go to work, walk the dog and even do their shopping.

Dozens of people from Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley have already signed up to the scheme, but fundraiser Kimberley Hall stressed that more were needed to join in the festive fun.

Miss Hall said: “Participants can dress in a Santa suit on any day they choose in December and go to work, walk the dog, do the shopping, go out on the town, fix the car, fly a plane, clean, teach, run or walk, all while wearing the famous red and white suit and collect donations.”

Lancashire Telegraph: Tom Cairney getting ready to do his bit to support the hospice

“They can also boost their fundraising by baking winter treats, holding a snowball penalty shootout or coming up with their own ideas to increase what they raise.”

Would-be Santas who sign up are given a Santa suit and fundraising pack so they can collect donations during their day as Father Christmas. Cash raised will go towards caring for hospice patients and their families.

Rovers players including Tom Cairney, Ben Marshall, and Luke Varney also dressed up at the club’s Brockhall training ground to support the hospice.

Miss Hall said: “We need everyone to make the most of the festive season by donning a Santa suit for a day of fun and fundraising.”

To get involved call 01254 733411 or go to eastlancshospice.org.uk/sponsor-me-santa