WORLD Superbike Champion Neil Hodgson rode into Nelson yesterday to help Pendleside Hospice launch its latest fundraising effort.

On a bike donated by Preston's BMW of Colne, Neil, who recently revealed his move into MotoGP for 2004, urged people in Burnley and Pendle to enter a lottery to win £5,000-worth of holiday vouchers from Althams travel agents.

The lucky winner, who will be drawn in February 2004, will also receive £1,000 spending money.

John Binks, head of fund-raising for the hospice, said: "I am delighted that Neil was able to join us to launch the lottery -- he is a supporter of the hospice."

The lottery tickets, which cost £1, will be available from all the usual hospice lottery outlets, all branches of Althams and from the hospice, in two weeks time.