AN Army regiment has adopted a hospice.

The 1st Battalion Queens Lancashire Regiment chose St Teresa's Hospice, Darlington, as its chosen charity during the coming year, and a special celebration was held yesterday to mark the occasion.

In front of an invited audience, the head of the regiment, Colonel Stephen Davies MBE, presented a decanter engraved with the battalion crest to hospice chairman Alasdair MacConachie.

The regiment's corps of drums also beat a retreat at the hospice.

Plans are already afoot for soldiers from the battalion, which is based at Alma Barracks, Catterick Garrison, to undertake a trans-Pennine walk to Preston, in Lancashire, the regiment's home.

Col Davies said: "Wherever the regiment is in the world, we look for a good cause to support. It is important for soldiers to get out and meet the people they serve.

"The Army has a great talent for organisation and we intend to share our talents with St Teresa's, helping them to raise their profile."

Mr MacConachie said: "The afternoon was exceptional for us all. Having this special regiment visit St Teresa's was a wonderful occasion for our guests and we look forward to a long association with the 1st Battalion, the Queen's Lancashire Regiment."