HOSPICE staff gearing up for Christmas are not mincing their words in their latest appeal -- they want people to provide them with mince pies.

A number of pre-Christmas events are planned by the Reedley-based Pendleside hospice for Burnley and Pendle and would like to offer mince pies among the refreshments.

Fundraising manager Kaye Bartle said: "Hospice volunteers are all busy baking but they could do with some more."

First on the list of festive events is a sponsored carols by candlelight concert at the Central Gospel Mission Church, Nelson, on Saturday, December 1.

The hospice Christmas Fayre will take the following Saturday, December 8.

Sunday, December 9, sees the switch-on of the Light Up A Life campaign normally attended by up to 500 people who after the event will be grateful for a hot drink and mince pie.

Anyone who can help to provide more pies for the hospice can either take them in to the hospice or call the fundraising office on 01282-440102.