BLACK Country footie fans are uniting for a charity challenge to help raise cash a children's hospice.

Ahead of the Premier League clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion on Sunday February 12, a Dudley councillor is organising a sponsored walk for rival fans.

On the day of the big game, Cllr Pete Lowe is hoping around 100 Wolves and Baggies fans will turn out to support Acorns Childrens Hospice by taking part in a ten-mile hike from Albion's home ground, The Hawthorns, to Molineux in Wolverhampton, where the match will kick off at 1.30pm.

Wolves fan, Cllr Lowe, said: "The hospice has helped children like four-year-old Jude Marrey and his parents who are family friends. Jude has a serious condition and his whole family get tremendous support from the hospice and their staff.

"Acorns supports not just the child but the whole family during challenging periods and it is a pleasure to raise much-needed funds for a fantastic cause."

“Getting rival football fans to unite and walk together from one stadium to the other is one way of showing unity for the benefit of this great cause.”

Political rivals are putting their differences to one side to back the Labour councillor.

Conservative group chief and council leader, Cllr Les Jones, said: “All too often football fans get a bad press when it is a local derby so this is great to see rivals coming together to support a very important charity."

“And as Dudley is mid-way between the two teams it’s only right we get behind it as a council. I’d urge people to find out about the walk and get involved or donate to the fund-raiser.”

To find out more contact Councillor Lowe on 07949 590460 or visit www.justgiving.com/Pete-Lowe0