Lions Clubs in north west Kent say they are "bitterly disappointed" at new proposals to rebrand EllenorLions Hospices. 

Hospice trustees are looking at dropping the word Lions from the title to stop confusion, although a final decision has not been made.

It was originally known as the The Lions Hospice and the club fundraised for 10 years to build the hospice on a green field site.

A Lions spokesman said: "We are immensely proud of our hospice, and we recognise that our direct financial contributions represent a small percentage of the annual income now needed.

"We are bitterly disappointed at the trustees’ decision, but we will continue to offer our support and work for the benefit of the patients."

The hospice's fundraising director Rachel Holweger said: "There is often a great deal of confusion when talking about EllenorLions Hospices, with the charity and its services being referred to by a variety of different names.

"We need to alleviate this confusion and continue raising much-needed funds, in order to provide more care and develop our services for our patients, carers and families.

"Over the forthcoming months we will be reviewing our brand and looking at how it can be improved, ensuring we are clear with our message, focus and communication.

"We will continue to operate as EllenorLions Hospices until further notice." 

Visit the Lionds Clubs' poll at petitions24.com/north_west_kent_lions or visit ellenorlions.org