TWO professional footballers have joined in with News Shopper's campaign to help raise money for south London's first children's hospice.

Charlton stars Marcus Bent and Chris Powell were on hand to lay bricks on the first walls of Demelza's new hospice in Wensley Close, Eltham.

The players were there to promote Demelza's Capital Appeal campaign, which News Shopper has adopted.

It aims to raise the £6.5m needed to build the hospice. The figure currently stands at £1.67m.

The charity's director of fundraising, James Hannaway, said: "Having News Shopper's support in this campaign is fantastic.

"Together we will be able to make a real difference to the lives of children with life-limiting conditions and their families in south London."

To donate to the appeal, send cheques payable to Demelza Capital Appeal, c/o News Shopper, Mega House, Crest View Drive, Petts Wood, BR5 1BT.

For more details about the hospice, visit demelza.org.uk