An ELLESMERE woman behind a new initiative in the town to help those who may be vulnerable before and during Christmas and in need of support has admitted her delight at the response to the idea.

Joann Walker created Ellesmere Elves on Facebook at the start of the week and more than 200 people have come forward to offer their help or services and join the group.

She said that she wanted to create the support group based on her own experiences living in a close-knit community and wanted to replicate that across the town.

“People seem to want keep it running and I’m happy to do that,” she said.

“It was an idea that I had in my head but it was possibly too close to Christmas but it’s good to see what we have done.

“It’s great to see that community spirit and support.

“People are reluctant to sometimes come forward for help, but we’ve said that we might need to make it anonymous for people if they need it.

“We can also possibly set up an email as well as if people want to use that and then anonymously match them on the Facebook page when needed.

“Our idea is to expand our of the community to keep it going.

“It’s the community that Live in, on the outskirts of Ellesmere, that has inspired to do set this up, because we all know each other.

“Some people are vulnerable and you wouldn’t know if your neighbour needs help or not.

“We’ve been able to do a few things already.”

In a post on Facebook on Monday, Joanne gave examples of how the Elves can help.

She said: “Things we might be able to help with: children’s fancy dress trauma, bet someone knows how to make a wise man costume the night before a nativity play; a lift in an emergency, because there is no bus to get you there [or] Christmas dinner, if you or someone you know are alone at Christmas we have people with space at their dinner table.

“Rural communities come with unique challenges and we are blessed to live in this beautiful community...let’s keep connected and give each other an ‘elfing’ hand!”

n For more about the Elves and to contact Joanne, head to www.facebook.com/ellesmerelves