Hoghton Arms takes on a Chicken Run for Derian House

Will Ferguson and James Hamilton are preparing to embark on a Chicken Run (The Return Leg), organised by Hoghton Arms, in Withnell, on June 12.With James dressed as the pub’s mascot - a chicken - the pair will be flown to Portugal by event sponsors PHG Contracting Ltd and will use their charm to make their way back to the pub.

James, 32, said: “I will do anything for charity. If it is something that involves something silly or out of the ordinary, I am there.

"We will smash this. There will be no failing. I know being dressed as a chicken will help as people will notice us. I can’t wait - I will literally be going round like a headless chicken.”

Will, 27, said: “I am really excited about this.

"We have no real plans on how we will get back. In previous years, fund-raisers set off from the pub and had to get as far as possible. But this year we will be abandoned in Portugal.

"We have a few routes in mind but they may not work out. We hope to try our best to get as far as we can, using van and lorry drivers. We aim to get to Calais by Saturday June 17 and hopefully get the train.This is the third Chicken Run organised by Hoghton Arms. Heath Johnson, pub manager, said: "I am from Chorley and my mum works at the Chorley Hospital, so I know how important Derian House is.

"Rodney the chicken is our mascot as we are a rotisserie pub. Our team is good at thinking up new ways of fund-raising. This is the third time we have done this - it is a good laugh and involves the community.

“In 2015 Rodney the Chicken made it to Paris. In 2016, he made it even further, to Berlin. So in 2017 we thought we would shake things up and give him a new challenge. We’re planning a family fun day at the pub on Sunday June 18 and we’re hoping they will arrive back then!”

To donate visit http://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ChickenRun2017

For a story on a previous Chicken Run click here /pub-pair-s-plucky-chicken-run-raises-cash-for-derian-house-1-7278301