GIANT sunflowers and green- fingered gardeners can help a hospice raise money.

The Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland is asking people to grow one of their sunflowers, the logo of the hospice movement.

In return for a £1 donation, made payable to The Butterwick Hospice at Bishop Auckland, the centre will send out a sunflower seed and growing instructions.

On September 1, participants measure their plants and the tallest, in both junior and adult categories, will be awarded a prize.

Heights of the flowers vary from 5ft to 11ft.

A spokeswoman for the hospice said: "You don't have to own a palatial plot or massive garden, all you need is a sunny spot, maybe in a yard, an allotment or your garden."

Donations should be sent to Macmillan House, Woodhouse Lane, Bishop Auckland, DL14 6JU. For details, call (01388) 603003.