A specialist AIDS unit planned for Chorley has sparked fears of a cash crisis at St Catherine's Hospice in Lostock Hall.

The Preston centre which cares for the terminally ill relies on charity to pay for most of its running costs.

But if the neighbouring 25-bed hospice gets the go-ahead, it could mean a fund-raising free-for-all.

Appeals manager John Nickson said: "It costs us £1.5 million a year to run the hospice. We have to raise £1.14 million from volunteers, so 76 per cent of the running costs come from the generosity of people out there."

Bosses for the centre proposed for the Rivington training, conference and water sports centre, at Anderton, deny there would ba problem.

Applicant Mr Alan Fresle said: "We are completely funded by the NHS. We won't be looking for any local money."

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