VOLUNTEERS are helping to spread the warmth by handing out hundreds of quilts to the town’s most vulnerable residents.

Bolton Community Kitchen received the donation of 600 duvets in May and have so far handed out almost half to some of the borough’s most needy.

The group’s chairman, Gareth Bradbury, said: “The response has been fantastic, people have been thrilled to receive them.

“It is concerning that we have to do this because so many people are struggling, but we are all part of the same community.”

The group received the quilts from Middleton-based firm Comfy Quilts, and say they were “blown away” by the donation.

“We wanted to spread the warmth,” said Mr Bradbury.

“It is the community that gives, we are only the middle man in this.”

Bolton Community Kitchen have been helped in handing out the quilts by organisations such as Bolton NICE, Age UK, Emmaus, Endeavour and Fortalice.

Volunteers have also been visiting the homes of elderly people in Farnworth and handing quilts out to them in preparation for autumn and winter.

Bolton Community Kitchen is a voluntary organisation that provides food, clothing and support for the homeless and vulnerable around the borough.

They serve hot meals and drinks every Tuesday evening from 6pm-8.30pm at Bolton Rugby Club, as well as every Friday afternoon on Bradshawgate. Food is donated to them by supermarkets, including Tesco and Morrisons, as well as local restaurants.

Earlier this year, Mr Bradbury was rewarded for his work with the group by being presented the citizen star award at Bolton at Home’s annual Stars of the Community Awards.