The response of the people of Ellesmere to the Rotary Club’s Christmas Appeal has been described as “heartwarming”.

Appeal director Ewan Williamson said: “Within two weeks of the launch we are over two thirds of the way towards this year’s target, and just short of the 2017 total with 10 days to go to Christmas.”

Last year’s donations were distributed to local good causes.

The club is already processing this year’s requests.

The names of many loved ones already hang on the Tree of Light in Tesco.

Copies of the Book of Light can also be viewed in the supermarket and in other locations around the town.

And on Saturday, Peter Broadbent and Graham Hutchinson were among the Rotarians on duty by the Tree of Light who were entertained by the Ifton Colliery Band from St Martins, who were also collecting charitable donations.