The Martlets Hospice is naming some of its rooms after famous Sussex landmarks in the hope that local groups will get involved with fund-raising.

The Martlets' decision to name some of its rooms after Sussex landmarks is a way of reaching out to the community it serves.

Areas from Brighton and Hove, Lewes and Newhaven will adorn doors in the Hove hospice this summer.

Haven, Dean, Combe, Blatchington Windmill and Goldstone are just some of the names being used.

Ten rooms will have their own sign and a brief outline of the history behind each place or geographical location.

The hospice is writing to community groups to explain the reasons behind the renaming scheme and invite them to get involved in fundraising activities to support the room named after their area.

Fund-raising manager Robert Griffiths said: "Adopting your local room will give your community the opportunity to get involved in fund-raising events in support of hospice services.

The Martlets is a local hospice for people living in Brighton and Hove and the surrounding towns and villages.

"Many local families will have used hospice services.

"We want the renaming of our rooms to help people understand the Martlets belongs to them and we need their support to ensure it will continue to be available when they or their loved ones need it."

The hospice looks after patients with terminal illnesses and provides bereavement support for their families and friends.

It supports people at a time when they are at their most vulnerable and frightened, and provides dignified and personal care to help them live their remaining lives as fully as possible.

It is a charity and not part of the NHS. As a result it has to raise almost £3 million a year towards the more than £3.5 million annually it costs to run.

The hospice raises money through grants, bequests in wills, donations, fund-raising events, its shops and its own lottery.

Despite its efforts, the hospice ended the 2003/4 financial year with a deficit of more than £32,000.

Although this amount is relatively small, the hospice wants to make sure this is not repeated and is coming up with other ways to raise money.

Anyone interested in learning more about the rooms or other fund-raisingevents and ideas should call 01273 747455