ORGANISERS of a Christmas-themed charity walk have announced the event will not go ahead due to the predicted bad weather.

This morning the organisers of Hike the Pike announced they were cancelling the event, which raises money for Bolton Hospice.

After consulting with Bolton Mountain Rescue the weather conditions tomorrow are thought to be too risky for walkers.

In a statement from the Hospice says staff are 'devastated' to have to call off the hike at this late stage

Alice Atkinson, director of income generation and communications for the hospice said: "It is with great sadness and disappointment that we announce that we have had to cancel our Hike the Pike event on Sunday due to the severe weather forecast this weekend.

"There are weather warnings in place for the area and we have taken this difficult decision to avoid putting our walkers and volunteers at risk both during the event and by travelling to the location against official advice.

"Having assessed the event site with Bolton Mountain Rescue we feel the risks to walker safety are too high.

"We are devastated to have to call off the event, letting our walkers down and losing vital income for the hospice this Christmas.

"We do hope the participants will understand our decision and accept our apologies for their disappointment."

Santa Hike the Pike was due to take place tomorrow after a warm up at Ridgmont House. Around 600 hikers were going to make the journey to Rivington Pike dressed as Santa Claus and his elves, all in the name of raising money for Bolton Hospice.