FOOTBALLER Phil Neville is inviting schools across Lancashire to take part in a non-uniform day with a difference.

Schools that join Wear What U Want Day on Friday October 10 will be in with a chance of winning £1,000 of sports equipment and a flying helicopter visit by the footballer himself.

Last year's event was a huge success raising thousands of pounds for the New Children's Hospital Appeal of which Everton captain Phil and his wife Julie, from Rawtenstall, are patrons.

They got involved after doctors at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, saved the life of their premature daughter Isabella.

The appeal is aiming to raise £20million to pay for parents' accommodation and specialist equipment at the new children's hospital which is due to open next year.

When the hospital opens it will be the largest children's hospital in the UK, benefitting more than 150,000 children from as far north as Cumbria, North Wales and down to Stoke.

Phil, who used to live in Crawshawbooth with his wife, said: "We hope that with the support of as many schools as possible we can raise thousands of pounds in aid of the New Children's Hospital Appeal to help make this fantastic new hospital the very best it can be."

JD Sports has donated £1,000 of sports equipment which will be won by one of the schools taking part.

Also, on the day of the event, Phil and Julie will be doing a whistle-stop helicopter tour of some specially selected schools where the former Manchester United player will hold a special question and answer session with the pupils.

All they ask is that children taking part in the event donate a pound each to the appeal in return for being able to ditch their school uniform for the day and wear what they want.

To get your school involved all you have to do is ask your teacher to contact the appeal team for more details.

The appeal will provide stickers and posters to help the school promote the day.

For more information contact the appeal on 0161 276 4522 or visit the website at www.newchildrenshospitalappeal.org.uk