The joy of pies is being spread by a producer in North Yorkshire offering giveaway pies for community heroes.

James Sturdy, the founder and managing director of Ripon's Yorkshire Handmade Pies, said in tough times he wants to celebrate positivity through the "joy of pies". Every month the company will be giving away five boxes of its award winning pies to community heroes nominated by the people they have helped and supported.

Mr Sturdy said: "The world can feel scary at times with so much to worry about so we wanted to do a small thing by celebrating positivity through the joy of pies.

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"To hear about so many selfless people, in the words of those who have been helped or inspired by them the most, is something really special. In fact, the team found it so difficult, nay impossible, to pick five winners this month, so we decided every nominee should have a box.

“We really hope the heroes enjoy the pies they chose and will be reassured that the work they do and the sacrifices they make have a huge impact on their loved ones or local community.”

Mr Sturdy said they use local ingredients in their farm to fork pies, many sourced within five miles of their factory, some within 100 metres. The pies are delivered frozen throughout the UK.

He added: "The Give Back with A Box initiative is a small gesture to celebrate those who make a big difference in their local communities. Individuals who have gone above and beyond the call of community duty, working tirelessly to help those in need. It could be someone who has raised money for charity, helped elderly neighbours, helped redistribute food to those who are in need or just been a brilliant friend.

“To celebrate their achievements, we will choose five people every month, nominated by their friends, family or neighbours to receive a free box of our award-winning pies.”

The box of pies worth £26 will be delivered. The company say Give Back With A Box will run every month. Nominations are free and never expire, meaning people can put forward as many people as they like if they have been inspired by them.

To nominate local heroes email info@yorkshirehandmadepies.co.uk with a name, address, and telephone number, along with reasons for the nomination. The winners will be selected at the end of each month and will be given the chance to choose a selection of pies from www.yorkshirehandmadepies.co.uk.