FIRMS are being recruited to help a hospice stay open.

Teesside Hospice, Middlesbrough, provides a range of professional services, free of charge, to more than 1,000 people each year.

The hospice, which is struggling for money, says the cost of the services equates to more than £2,500 a day.

Alison Pickering, spokeswoman for the Northgate Road centre, said: "We would like lots of companies to join the scheme which allows Teesside Hospice to acknowledge fundraising and support, with all partners being rewarded for their continued support though a series of awards - bronze, silver, gold and platinum."

Several local companies have raised a £1,000 pledge for their year's commitment. In the case of the Cleveland centre, staff raised twice as much.