Youngsters from the Prince’s Trust in Pendle recently hosted an afternoon tea at Pendleside Hospice after choosing to support the charity with funds they’d raised.

The team from the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, based at Nelson Fire Station, hosted a charity car wash as part of the 12-week course for 16 to 25-year-olds in the local community who are unemployed or not in further education.

The young people, also known as Pendle Team 58, then drew up a long list of local good causes to support with the money raised, and Pendleside Hospice came out top of the list.

They devised a list of ideas to help the charity and spend time with the patients – afternoon tea was decided on plus a game of bingo afterwards.

Scones, cream cakes and sandwiches were delivered to the hospice by the team, who then spent the afternoon chatting with patients in day services.

Jake Fielding, Team Leader for the Prince’s Trust in Pendle, explained how the 12-week course helped youngsters when they needed it most and educated them about worthy causes in the local area.

He said: “All of Pendle Team 58 had a brilliant time at Pendleside Hospice. After spending time getting to know the patients and enjoying a game of bingo, they were all so inspired by the hospice’s work that they’ve kept in touch via its Facebook page.

“We’re really proud of the team for not only raising the money but also choosing such a worthy cause in Pendleside. The Team Programme is all about helping young people get on the road to employment and working with charities is a huge part of that.”

Delivered in conjunction with the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, the 12-week Team Programme offers the chance to meet new people, gain practical skills and experience, and secure valuable qualifications.

Julia O’Neill, Pendleside Hospice’s day service, family support and outpatient manager, said: “Having the Prince’s Trust team visit the hospice with afternoon tea was a real treat for our day services patients and they had a lovely afternoon. We’d like to thank the team for spending the time with our patients and learning more about the hospice.”