The EllenorLions Hospice building has been renamed Lions House, it has been announced.

Trustees at the north Kent charity agreed the name change after fears from Lions members they would be dropped from any hospice rebrand.

The rename of the building in Coldharbour Lane, Northfleet, will be introduced next year along with a new charity programme.

The changes come as the group reviews its identity in a bid to avoid confusion when fundraising.

EllenorLions Hospice chairman Mo Tutty said: “We are very pleased to have agreed this arrangement with the local Lions clubs as an initial step towards refining our brand in light of the ever changing commercial landscape we find ourselves operating in.

“The Lions relationship remains a key part of both our history and our future, and we look forward to continuing this relationship for the ongoing benefit of the local community."

Lions’ working party Chairman, Mike Parker, welcomed the decision and thanked supporters for keeping the Lions name alive.

He added: “On behalf of the Lions Club members I would like to thank all the local folk and fellow Lions from across the country, who supported our case to keep our name on the hospice in recognition of our mammoth task in building it.”

The charity provides hospice care to seriously ill adults, children and their families.

For more information on the charity visit www.ellenorlions.org.