A GRANDMOTHER is cooking up a storm for Bolton Hospice's Pies and Peas Up event.

Pat Matthews, author of Grandma's Antique recipes, wants to encourage people to pick up a baking tray and create their own delicious pastry delights to help raise money for the hospice's event, which runs at the same time as British Pie Week.

To celebrate the launch, the 68-year-old baked a number of pies featured in her book, which details her Grandma Sarah's 100-year-old recipes, and delivered them to the hospice to help kick-start the event.

Mrs Matthews, of Longfield Road, Middle Hulton, said: "When I heard that Bolton Hospice was doing this fundraising event I straight away wanted to help so I called Stephanie up and was surprised when she said she'd heard of me from the stories I've been in.

"It's the first of its kind they've organised, so it's really exciting. People can do it from home or arrange at event at work and get donations from their colleagues for a piece. Or if you're not a baker but want to help out, just buy a pie from the shops or a bakery.

"It is such a good cause. Cancer touches everybody and the help that the hospice gives to people with the disease and their families is fantastic."

Pies and Peas Up is running throughout March.

Stephanie Lacaille, community fundraising manager at the hospice, said: "We'd like to thank Patricia for kindly supporting our Bolton Hospice Pie and Peas Up campaign. The pies she baked from her Grandmas Antique Recipes book were delicious, a real treat. What better way to support your local hospice than having a get together with family or friends or having a pie lunch at work."

To take part in the Pies and Peas Up, contact Bolton Hospice on 01204 663055 to get a fundraising pack, which includes ideas for events, recipes and decoration templates.