FAMILIES across the borough will still be able to take part in a vital festive fundraiser – although it will look slightly different this year.

Hike the Pile is an annual event where hundreds of people embark on a sponsored walk to Rivington Pike in aid of Bolton Hospice.

With the help of local estate agent Lancasters, the charity has been able to launch the event with a virtual twist, allowing families or support bubbles to choose any date in December for the five-mile walk.

A spokesman for the hospice said: “Hike the Pike is a much loved event here in Bolton & beyond and we are pleased, although it may be different this year, for a ‘virtual’ alternative of the event to be able to go ahead.

“We are truly grateful for the fantastic and loyal support of Lancasters, especially in these difficult times, as patrons of the hospice and kind sponsors of our 2020 Virtual Hike the Pike.

"Families and those in support bubbles can choose their own day to Hike the Pike dressed as Santa or Elves in December, enjoy a festive and fun day together outdoors and take on the 5 mile challenge to raise some sponsorship for Bolton Hospice too - helping us to make our patients and their families Christmas one to remember.

"We are hoping to make the event a success and it means the world to us to be able to give the families in our community something positive to look forward to.”

Each registration pack will cost £8 for adults, or £5 for children and teens, and includes a festive outfit to complete the hike in.

A free registration option is available for people who already have their Santa suits at the ready.

Each participant will also receive a digital fundraising pack, a route map, and an "in memory" bib that can be personalised.

Katy from Horwich-based Lancasters, stressed how important it was to support the charity.

She said: “We are very proud to be patrons of Bolton Hospice and continue to meet countless people whose lives they have touched.

"The work they do is priceless and even more so this year with the challenges they have faced, it is incredible to see them continue to support our local community when their patients need it most.

"We are thrilled that this event can still go ahead virtually and that families can enjoy time together, be outdoors and support the hospice.

"Our support now is more important than ever, so we really hope that the people of Bolton get behind this fantastic virtual event.”

Registration is now open, and anyone interested in taking part can visit boltonhospice.org.uk/HikeThePike to sign up.