THE "pie's the limit" when it comes to spreading festive cheer.

Bolton College's big hearted staff and students have collected 250 boxes of mince pies for Urban Outreach, which is collecting donations to make up 1,000 food hampers.

And to support the cause and create awareness of the charity, the college created a Mince Pie Mountain — and entitled its appeal "The Pie's the Limit".

The pie tower was built next to a wooden Christmas tree that was hand-crafted last year by carpentry and joinery students.

Marie Gilluley, principal of Bolton College, said: “We always try to raise festive cheer and make the most of Christmas at Bolton College.

"However, as an integral part of the local community, it is essential that we remember those who are less fortunate than us — particularly at this time of year.

"It’s a pleasure to help Urban Outreach with their fantastic cause, and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish Season’s Greetings to everyone in Bolton, and a happy New Year.”

Dave Bagley, Chief Executive of Urban Outreach, added: “We’ve been overwhelmed with the generosity of Bolton people and organisations in getting behind this initiative to provide everything needed for a traditional Christmas dinner for people who are having a hard time at the moment.

"We love working together with other organisations and want to say a big thank you to the staff and students of Bolton College for collecting so many mince pies."

Urban Outreach launched its campaign to provide Christmas cheer to 1,000 of the town's most deprived households last week.

The charity thinks the hampers, each worth about £45, will benefit about 4,000 Bolton people.

Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, Bolton Wanderers, Greater Manchester Police, schools and businesses in the town have thrown themselves behind the mission by organising collections or food donations.

Mr Bagley expects up to 40,000 people in Bolton to play some role in the frantic compilation of the hampers.

The hampers will be handed out to community groups to distribute to needy people on December 23 from the Allied Carpets unit on the Trinity Retail Park.

Each of them will contain a chicken, potatoes, vegetables, a Christmas pudding, a selection box and other assorted goodies.

To join Urban Outreach's mammoth effort phone Hannah Matthews on 01204 385848, or email christmasdinner@urbanoutreach.co.uk.