CHESTER FC merchandise is to go on sale in the city centre after the club unveiled the Hospice of the Good Shepherd as its official charity partner for this season.

The Blues will raise funds throughout the 2013-14 campaign for the Backford-based hospice while also offering up the facilities at the Exacta Stadium for hosting events.

In return the hospice have offered to sell Chester shirts, match tickets and selected merchandise from their city centre shop on Northgate Street in exchange for a percentage of the sale.

Amanda Le Bretton, fundraising and marketing manager for the hospice, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to champion our hospice and help Chester Football Club at the same time through local initiatives.

“We are absolutely delighted with the partnership and are looking forward to working towards a common goal.”

Blues marketing man Dave Riche said: “We will be working very closely together on a number of initiatives.

“The board considered a number of charities from the outset and we are delighted to have chosen the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.”