Coventry Blaze has hooked up with a national children’s charity to help with fund-raising.

The partnership, with NCH, will begin at next week’s home tie against league rivals Guildford Flames.

The charity’s mascot Cedric the Dragon will be appearing at the game at Skydome arena to entertain youngsters in the crowd.

A proportion of the gate receipts will be donated and NCH merchandise will be sold.

Five matches over the remaining months of the season are also being designated as partnership games in aid of NHC.

The charity has three main areas of work children at risk, vulnerable young people and families in need of support.

Amongst NCH's projects in Coventry are:

• Coventry Aftercare - one of a range of projects set up by NCH in partnership with Coventry City Council to work with young people. The project provides a range of services to young people between the ages of 15 and 21, offering advice and support during the transition to adulthood and independence.

• Cornerstone Family Centre, providing support services to inner-city families, including a high percentage from the Asian community.

Alan Parry, Church and Community Fundraiser for NCH, said:

"We are absolutely delighted to have secured a partnership with the Coventry Blaze.

"We hope our association with this very successful and dynamic team will help to raise the profile of NCH in the local area and raise money to assist us in making a real difference to the lives of some of the UK's most vulnerable children, young people and their families."

Grant Charman, Operations Director of Blaze Promotions Limited, added:

"The Blaze are thrilled to be able to form this partnership and put something back into the community.

“The response to us since our move to Coventry has been fantastic, and I'm sure that every single one of our fans will want to contribute in some way to this venture.

“NCH is a truly great organisation to be involved with and we are more than happy to be able to contribute in whatever way we can."