BOLTON is coming together to provide Christmas joy to 1,200 of the town's neediest households.

Urban Outreach is co-ordinating its annual festive appeal, which is set to produce a record number of Christmas hampers to be distributed to people who would otherwise struggle to provide the traditional trappings of the season.

Each of the hampers costs about £45 and will include a range of seasonal items — from crackers and selection boxes to chicken, potatoes and all the trimmings.

Businesses have pledged to donate thousands of items to the campaign and Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, BoltonWanderers and Greater Manchester Police will also play their part.

Dave Bagley, chief executive of Urban Outreach, said the appeal is bigger than ever before.

He said: "It is huge. It is quite possibly one of the most remarkable expressions of good will and real Christmas spirit that we get to experience in Bolton.

"It represents a large number of people thinking about a relatively small number of people, it is amazing."

People do not ask to receive the hampers, they are nominated by organisations such as churches and community groups who will then help to hand them out just before Christmas, on December 23.

Bolton Council has said it will provide 1,200 biscuits and portions of brandy sauce, Bolton at Home will donate 1,200 After Eight chocolates and Keoghs Solicitors has said it will send 2,400 selection boxes.

Mr Bagley said he was overwhelmed by the support which the appeal has received by Bolton people.

He said: "It is fantastic that so many people get involved. Tens of thousands of people will be involved in helping put them together, and we hope that about 4,500 people will benefit from it."

As well as focusing on helping some of the most deprived people in the town, the appeal also seeks to come to the aid of people who are struggling or have money problems.

Mr Bagley added: "It is not just about poverty, it is about helping people who have had a bad year, whether it be through illness or if they have lost their job and fallen on hard times.

"Last year the Bishop of Bolton delivered a hamper to someone whose house had been burgled. People who are struggling financially also represent a large number of people we are trying to help.

"We are trying to pass on a bit of joy to people at Christmas."

Preparations to organise the hampers are continuing and businesses or groups who are interested in getting involved are being invited to contact Urban Outreach, based in Salop Street, on 01204 385848 or e mail info@urbanoutreach.co.uk.