Over 350 vulnerable residents in Congleton will be receiving a Christmas hamper surprise after the community rallied together to showcase their festive spirit.

The project has been organised by Deborah Jupp, who runs the social media group called Congleton chat's Back, alongside other administrators (Michelle Goodwin, Carole Whitehurst, Beckie Birdno and Gaynor Munro) and Shaun Radcliffe, lead volunteer of the Congleton Food Hub, who has been delivering essential items throughout the Congleton community to the vulnerable throughout the pandemic.

It has been a year like no other and with a lot of elderly residents potentially facing a lonely Christmas period, Deborah and Shaun wanted to bring a smile through a Christmas hamper, to show the Congleton community is thinking of everyone more than ever ahead of the festive season.

Mrs Jupp was inspired when John Dhali, a local musician, who previously helped Shaun Radcliffe deliver essential items to the vulnerable, brought smiles, dancing and laughter to the Congleton community, when he played his guitar for residents whilst out delivering shopping or prescriptions during lockdown.

Mrs Jupp told Nub News: "It was such a lovely sight at a time when things were really difficult and scary, but seeing people singing and dancing during lockdown was amazing to see."

After Congleton chat's Back, a Facebook group, which has 20,500 members, came together to ensure hundreds of children throughout the town received a Halloween treat bag, attentions quickly turned to the Christmas period.

Deborah, Shaun and Alison Cann, also of The Food Hub, came up with the idea that residents could nominate people who they felt deserved to be treated to a hamper, who may be lonely, ill, struggling financially or still had reservations about potentially going outdoors due to Covid-19.

Mrs Jupp added: "I was originally expecting there to be maybe 20 responses for boxes, but we have had nearly 350 requests, which is amazing."

The hampers will include a variation of festive treats such as mince pies, chocolate, biscuits, hot chocolate, Christmas pudding, wine, sherry and most importantly for Deborah a Christmas card.

Mrs Jupp added: "It's heart-breaking to think that there are potentially people out there in society who may not see anyone over Christmas and not receive a card.

"Everybody deserves to receive a Christmas card and gift. That is what is so magical about the Christmas period and I think this year has taken on an extra meaning."

The hampers are being put together at The Vale Club, where the Congleton Food Hub is currently located, but the success of the project comes down to the "overwhelming" spirit of the Congleton community according to Mrs Jupp.

She added: "There are so many people throughout Congleton who want to help and contribute to get other people through difficult periods.

"That's why I love this group [Congleton chat's Back], whenever we ask someone else's behalf for help, the outpour of support is incredible.

"We have had so many items donated for the hampers, we have had cash donations, food and presents for families who are struggling

Local organisations have also rallied around the project with the Congleton Town Labour Party contributing £200 and Congleton Lions donating £100 to the cause.

Mrs Jupp highlighted that such was the community's willingness to help in any way they could, local resident Eleisha Glover has provided free branded stickers to go on the treat boxes.

Mrs Jupp told Nub News that the hampers will start to be delivered from this weekend, but there is still time for residents to nominate someone.

To nominate someone, contact the Congleton chat's Back team.

Mr Radcliffe will be at The Vale Club, Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings to receive donations, he can also collect donations too.