AN OSWESTRY Rotary group says it will be supporting several local groups over the next few weeks with a new enterprise called 'A Christmas Gift' along with other community groups.

'A Christmas Gift' was set up by Stephanie Draper to buy festive gifts for children that may otherwise go without.

Stephanie, who moved to Oswestry a few years ago said she is extra motivated by 2020 being a strange year for people who have been affected by the global pandemic and the consequences brought on by that.

She said: "This year I have decided to make Christmas as special as possible for those children that live in and around Oswestry.

"[I want to] take a little weight off the shoulders of those caring for them and hopefully help to make everyone smile."

The idea is that local groups anonymously nominate families they feel could do with some support and the age, gender and interests of the children are identified and relevant presents are then given out.

Stephanie continued: “I’ll purchase new toys, clothes, stationary, books, among others and wrap them myself and, with the help of Oswestry Angels, the TNS foundation, and local schools, give them out to the families in time for Christmas."

Groups supporting Stephanie's plans include Osnosh, which was founded in 2018 by brothers Ben and Tom Wilson, who turn spare food into free meals for hungry people.

Oswestry & Borders Foodbank will also be involved.

A spokesman from Borderland said: “We’re pleased to be helping local causes as their services are required more than ever this year and we’d also like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a hopeful New Year."

If you wish to support any of the above, the details are https://www.gofundme.com/f/2fvc9-a-christmas-gift