St Peter's Hospice is hoping to raise £50,000 by selling lottery-style scratchcards in their shops.

The charity is offering the chance to win between £1 and £1,000 with the new cards, which cost £1.

Anna Maxwell, donor marketing manager, said: "Through the sale of the new lottery scratchcards we are hoping to raise almost £50,000 towards patient care this year and give people the chance to win some money in these tough times.

"It's a fun and easy way to support us, so we hope everyone will visit their local hospice shop and buy one today."

There is about a one-in-five chance of getting a winning scratchcard.

Anna said: "The prize money will all come from the money we make from selling the cards, but that is on top of the £50,000 we hope to raise in profit.

"We are trying to offer people different ways to support St Peter's Hospice. If you would rather that all your money to go to the charity then, instead of buying a scratchcard, you can spend money in one of our shops, make a donation or join in with one of our events."

Sophie Organ, 43, of Brecknock Road in Knowle, who regularly shops at her local St Peter's Hospice store on Wells Road, said: "I love popping into the shop on the school run, I love the window displays and they entice me in.

"I always find something to wear and it's such a bargain and good for the environment recycling other people's cast-offs.

"I think the scratchcards are a great idea as a £1 is nothing really and if it means I might win £1,000 to spend in the shop, and I'm helping a good cause at the same time, then I'm all for it."

The hospice has been part of Bristol for almost four decades, providing help for people with incurable illnesses.

Community nurse specialists provide care for patients at hospices in Knowle and Brentry as well as residents across the city.

Plans to start the hospice began in 1969 with the first two community nurse specialists starting in 1978 at the Lawrence Hill Clinic.

The movement grew to build an inpatient unit at St Agnes Avenue, Knowle, and, nine years later, a second hospice on Charlton Road, Brentry to serve North Bristol. Last year the charity celebrated its 30th anniversary.

It now has a network of almost 50 shops across Bristol and the surrounding area.

The X Factor contestants Tita and Phoebe Lau, of group Girlband, opened the latest shop earlier this month in Flaxpits Lane, Winterbourne.

For further information on lottery scratchcards call Anna on 0117 9159300.