THE spirit of giving is still alive and well across Bury - despite another tough year.

Festive cheer has been generated for several good causes in the borough in the run-up to Christmas Day.

And the charity champions of Bury, Radcliffe, Ramsbottom, Prestwich, Tottington and Whitefield have not finished yet.

Supporters of the King Cole Legacy project, who have already been touring the borough, have announced one last stop-off.

Working with Bury Action for Homeless, they will be in Swinton Crescent, for Whitefield and Unsworth residents tonight, Thursday, from 5.30pm to 8pm for one last presents drop.

The homeless campaigners themselves have received ongoing community support, with members of Bury Golf Club among the latest to donate food and treats.

Once again the Brandlesholme Food Bank and Community Centre has been kept busy with supplies, with everyone from Bury Police to local firms like Garic and William Hare lining up to provide assistance.

A spokesman said on Facebook: "We would like to say a massive thank you to Garic and William Hare for their Christmas food donations, greatly appreciated."

Staff at Garic have also weighed in with an impressive £5,000 for deserving groups, as part for their company-wide festive appeal.

Peel Brow Primary, located just around the corner from their Bury headquarters, where the firm started in 1988, will be receiving a donation of £1,000.

Bury Hospice will receive the same amount, as will CashforKids toy appeal, Lifeshare Hoody appeal, and the Alzheimer's Society.

A spokesman added: "After a difficult year for everyone, we feel that giving back in this manner is the right thing to do, after all, we are proud to be a part of our communities."

An appeal through November and December by Ramsbottom Pantry also collected £5,410, with another £523 in Gift Aid, to support their Christmas hamper efforts.

Hamper organisers were looking for anything from Christmas crackers to cakes, stuffing, crackers and gravy granules.

Rotarians across the borough have also been organising their annual Wrap Up initiative for the winter months, seeking donations of warm clothing for the needy.