MARY Stevens Hospice are set to have their profile raised throughout the region thanks to Cradley Town Football Club.

The club, who play in the West Midlands League Premier Division, have agreed to have the Stourbridge based hospice logo emblazoned on their shirts.

They unveiled their new shirts ahead of last Saturday's game against top of the table AFC Bridgnorth.

Cradley town chairman Trevor Thomas, who lost his own father three years ago, said: "I know how hard it is for the hospice to get money in.

"It's hard work getting sponsorship in, as we've discovered ourselves over the years and we just thought it would be nice to do something for them.

"They need an awful lot of money to help keep the Hospice going, while from our point of view, it's nice to be associated with such a worthwhile cause."

The hospice's corporate fundraiser Chris Schofield added: "We're delighted to be involved with such a longstanding football club. Their support is very much valued, especially as they can reach areas where the hospice wouldn't normally have much contact with.

"The hospice has to raise a target of £2.4million every year to maintain running costs, so it's important to reach as many supporters as possible and football can help us do that."