THE continued generosity of a North Yorkshire baker means those attending The Press’s annual carol concert next week will be able to enjoy award-winning mince pies.

Helmsley-based Thomas The Bakers have once again stepped in to support our annual fundraising event by supplying 250 of their sweet mince pies.

This year the theme of the service is absent friends and there will be a collection for the Missing People charity on the day.

Simon Thomas, of Thomas The Bakers, said: “We were delighted to be asked to help to support the event to remember those people absent and missing at this time year, when friends and family come together to celebrate Christmas.

“We are happy to provide 250 of our sweet mince pies to this year’s service.”

Steve Cockayne, quality assurance manager, said: “We were delighted to be able to help out by supplying our 11-times award winning sweet mince pies. They are freshly baked throughout the day in our shops and are delicious hot from our ovens.”

Francine Clee, The Press’s deputy editor, welcomed the continued support of the bakery.

She said: “Once again Thomas The Bakers have made this very generous donation to our annual carol service – a gesture which has helped to make the event special to all those who have attended last year and intend to do so next week.”

Peter Lawrence, father of missing York chef Claudia Lawrence, will read a lesson at the service as well as the officer leading the search for the 35-year-old, detective superintendent Ray Galloway, of North Yorkshire Police.

Those who may be bereaved or separated from loved ones by work, military service, or relationship breakdowns are welcome to attend, and names of absent friends will be read out at the service, which this year takes place at noon in St Denys’ Church, Walmgate, on Wednesday.

All are welcome, but the public is asked to bear in mind the church is small and worshippers should arrive early for the best chance of attendance.

If you are not able to attend the service, but would like to make a donation to Missing People, log on to missingpeople. org. uk/supportus, phone 0800 298 7858, or make cheques payable to Missing People and send them to Missing People, 284 Upper Richmond Road West, London, SW14 7JE.