A HOMELESS shelter is giving out free pies to the needy thanks to a local firm.

Baxenden-based Hollands Pies has begun a regular donation of their wares to homeless people staying at Accrington’s Maundy Relief.

Every Friday from now on, around 250 pies will be delivered to the homeless charity’s base in Abbey Street, Accrington, where they are served to people in need.

The centre is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and up to 190 people are fed and given help every day.

Dorothy Ann McGregor, who founded Maundy Relief 14 years ago, said: “Holland’s weekly contribution has made it so much easier for us to provide hot, substantial, nourishing and extremely popular meals for our guests.

“We appreciate it no end, as we feed thousands in need for free every month, and to know Holland’s intend to assist us even further is wonderful.”

Dorothy set up the charity with the Reverend Len Singleton after seeing thousands of people struggling without immediate and practical help.

As well as providing hot meals, shelter and small grants, the project also provides a 24 hour counselling service.

Dorothy added: “We work at the coal face of all kinds of poverty, responding immediately to basic physical, mental, emotional and spiritual needs within the community.”

Neil Court-Johnston, managing director of Holland’s Pies said: “Maundy Relief does some great work locally with our donations and it’s a pleasure to help them further.

‘This company is proud of its roots in the region.

"We’ve been established in the area for over 150 years, take our role in the community very seriously and always seek to contribute positively towards it.”

Holland’s employs over 400 people at its Lancashire base and is part of the chilled division of Northern Foods.