A BUILDING firm has announced it is throwing its weight behind a Hampshire children's hospice for the third consecutive year.

Persimmon Homes South Coast has already donated more than £25,000 to Naomi House and Jacksplace, in Sutton Scotney, and is now planning a fundraising calendar for the next year including a ball.

The Fareham-based company has previously raised cash by holding a summer party at the Ageas Bowl and donating a small percentage of every house sold.

Matt Paine, managing director of Persimmon, said: “Naomi House is an extraordinary facility and you cannot put a price on the support they give to teenagers and young adults in their care, as well as to their families.

“Everyone here greatly admires their work and it was an easy decision to support them once again. The Wessex Children's Hospice Trust, which runs Naomi House and Jacksplace, has to raise more than £5m every year to care for hundreds of children and young people, so we are pleased to do our bit to support such a very worthy and much-loved local cause.”

Head of fundraising for Naomi House, Paul Morgan, said the news is fantastic.

“The company has done so much for our organisation in the past and all of Persimmon's staff are passionate and knowledgeable about our cause. We can't wait to see what innovative fundraising ideas they come up with this year and thank them for their ongoing and fabulous support.”