A brewery which has 13 pubs in Bolton have launched a homeless appeal to help the homeless keep warm during the cold season.

The independent family-run brewery and pub operator, Joseph Holt, is working with two charities, Lifeshare and Barnabus, to collect as many items as possible for those in need.

Joseph Holt’s 127 pubs, which are located in Bolton, Manchester, Lancashire and elsewhere across the North West, will act as collection points for donations such as sleeping bags, coats, gloves and other warm clothing.

The “Helping the Homeless” appeal was inspired by two of their pubs, the Fairway Inn in New Moston as well as the Red Lion in Prestwich, which had already set up their own collections.

Val Coyle, landlady of the Fairway Inn, said: “It’s fantastic that this is happening across the entire Holt estate as we’ve had the most amazing response.

Read more: Bolton's rich industrial heritage to flourish again with help of historic business

Read more: Dadthedish TikTok star creates munchy box at Bombai Bites

“Since December we’ve had 60 bags of donations so I’m thrilled so many other pubs will now be following suit.

“A Joseph Holt pub is at the heart of the community so I know my colleagues will all be so keen to help.”

Val added that donations have come from far and wide, extending beyond those who are regulars at the pub.

She said: “One lady had never even been in before – yet sent us 25 pairs of brand-new gloves.

“We’ve even had people who have come into the pub to book funeral wakes in our function room and at the same time bring in the bereaved clothes.

“They felt so strongly these items must go to help others.

“I just feel this is such an important time to do this.

“So many people get new clothes for Christmas and may well be doing a clear out of their older stuff.

“So much of this can go to waste. It’s just important to put it to good use.”

Alex Derbyshire, landlady of the Red Lion in Prestwich agrees that pubs play such an important role in helping those who are less fortunate.

Read more: Westhoughton railway bridge set to be demolished as concerns raised

Read more: Met Office says major event which caused Beast from the East 'likely' this month

She said: “We already served free tea and coffee to people who were struggling – as a pub we could do that. So, extending that to collecting warm items for the homeless seemed such a natural step.”

The Helping the Homeless appeal follows the huge success of the Joseph Holt School Uniform appeal which ran in the summer to help families who were struggling to buy the clothing for their children.

Paul Longmire, marketing manager at Joseph Holt, said: “As an independent, regional family brewer, Joseph Holt places community at the heart of its charity activities.

“Thanks not least to the generosity of our customers.

“Now more than ever homeless charities need warm clothing  and sleeping bags.

“So, we’re grateful for any donations of unwanted items in good condition that we can put to this vital use.”

To make a donation just drop your items at any Joseph Holt pub across Bolton or further.

To find your nearest one go to www.joseph-holt.com/