DONATIONS are being sought to help provide Christmas hampers for Radcliffe's elderly residents.

Cherella Young, who set up the Friendly Faces group this summer to help reduce isolation among older people in the town, is looking to collect food and toiletries so that she can provide packages for all of her regular members.

When the group, which meets every Wednesday at Radcliffe Borough FC, was first set up in August it developed a huge following on social media and has continued to prove popular in the community.

The mum-of-four, of Red Bank Road, said: "I'm trying to collect items of food and toiletries so I can make up a hamper for each member of the group, then they will have that little bit extra over Christmas.

"We have about 20 regular members at this point, but there are more people coming every week as word of mouth continues to spread.

"I have been overwhelmed by the reaction to the group and I'm so happy that we have such a range of people coming - some people are in their 50s, but our oldest member is in his 90s.

"Anything people can donate to help with the hamper appeal will be greatly appreciated, and we are also still in need of volunteers. The bigger the group gets, the more help we will need."

Ms Young is also looking for local school choirs to perform for the group in the run-up to Christmas, with the group's previous events including a tea party, bingo, quizzes, and talks on local history.

To volunteer or arrange a donation: contact Cherella on 07930490816 or visit friendlyfacesgroup.co.uk.

Donations can also be dropped off at Friendly Faces meetings, from 2pm to 4pm every Wednesday at Radcliffe Borough FC.