A CAMPAIGN launched by a Bolton company to donate unused Christmas party budgets to charity has raised over £1 million.

The Xmas Party Heroes campaign, devised by Mark Hawthorn of Lostock investment company Landmark Group is urging fellow businesses to donate their unused Christmas party budgets to charity with Timpson already signed up.

The campaign is raising money for charities from Teenage Cancer Trust, to local groups such as Bolton's Lads and Girls Club.

Mark Hawthorn, said: "I’m absolutely thrilled that Xmas Party Heroes has raised nearly £1.2 million in such a short amount of time, and very thankful to the many businesses that have so far stepped up to donate to their chosen charities.

"The support we have received from business leaders and charities alike has been incredible.

"However, we’re not finished yet. Over £1 billion is reportedly spent in the UK each year on Christmas entertaining by businesses. It’s so important to recognise and celebrate the hard work of staff as best we can, but we also know that without large, in-person parties taking place, the vast majority of that figure will now go unallocated.

“We want to keep momentum going, so that this festive season and at the end of such a tough year, we can help to make a massive difference to hundreds of great charities that are helping those that need it most.”