Residents will be munching through an amazing one ton of mince pies this festive season.

British Airways has been flying in the massive Christmas cargo for the Marks and Spencer store on Front Street.

The Island's ex-pat British population, eager for a taste of home, has been snapping up the traditioal Christmas treats, as well as large numbers of Christmas puddings.

David Hamshere, the president TESS, which has the Marks and Spencer franchise, said residents can't get enough mince pies.

"It doesn't surprise me at all. People are buying six packs, a dozen at a time," he said yesterday.

"People just snack on them all the time. I do it myself.

"There has been literally thousands and thousands of them sold, but I can't confirm the number. We've been bringing them in every year, and we've been increasing the quantity.

"We've also been selling a phenomenal amount of Christmas puddings. And we bring in all the Swiss chocolates and Christmas crackers.

"Throughout the season, we have been having large shipments of chocolates and Christmas items and we use British Airways quite extensively."

The figure of one ton of mince pies was released by BA through PA Newswire service.

BA Bermuda manager Philip Troake said yesterday: "That's an awful lot of mince pies, but when you think of the size of the ex-pat population here, it's a natural. I've got some in my own fridge just now."