The aim is that with money raised by Specsavers, St Barnabas' vital Hospice at Home service can be extended from its five days a week to the full seven.

St Barnabas Hospice runs the Jenny Freeman Day Care Centre as well as the Hospice at Home which operates through carers supporting patients in their own home.

Vikki Allen, community fundraiser for the hospice in Spalding, came to Specsavers' shop in Hall Place, Spalding, to accept the pledge.

She said: "All our services are provided free of charge and although we receive money from the Primary Care Trust, more than half of our budget comes from private donations and our own fundraising activities.

"We are very grateful to Specsavers for their generosity and support."

Specsavers Spalding store director Neil Stradling said: "We will organise fundraising events in the next few months and I would encourage people to raise as much money as possible."