A MALPAS community group that offers help to elderly people has received a Christmas gift from the developers of a nearby retirement home.

McCarthy and Stone, developers behind The Cedars in Old Hall Street, has funded the printing and production of a Christmas Calendar as part of a special surprise for the members and service users of Older People Active Lives (OPAL) Services, including the Malpas OPAL Club.

The club welcomes men and women from Malpas and the surrounding rural areas to enjoy a change of scenery and spend time with others as part of a varied programme of activities.

Because of the restrictions that the coronavirus pandemic has brought, OPAL has been unable to carry out its club activities, perhaps at a time when its members need it most but have instead been providing a weekly newsletter, befriending calls and regular activity packs.

To help keep their spirits up, McCarthy and Stone recently stepped in to support OPAL in funding the production of a calendar surprise to be included in their next activity pack.

The calendar features photographs of the Cheshire west area, including Malpas, and all of the photos have been taken by OPAL volunteers.

Jane Colville, chairman of OPAL Services, said she was grateful for the support.

"Like all our services, the Malpas OPAL Club offers support to elderly people in the local area, boosting their independence, enjoyment and social engagement, all while providing a sense of well-being and belonging," she said.

"It has been a tough year for many and particularly older people who have had to shield from their family and friends in many instances.

"We wanted to create a calendar featuring the familiar scenery from Malpas and around the county as a lovely surprise ahead of the Christmas period.

"The financial support from McCarthy and Stone has really helped us turn this wish of goodwill into a reality."

Meanwhile Declan Fishwick, marketing executive for The Cedars, added: "We are delighted to support OPAL in creating a calendar for its members.

"When we heard of how they wanted to create some cheer ahead of the Christmas period, we jumped at the chance to help out.

"As a company we appreciate that our responsibilities go further than developing quality retirement properties – we also seek to create a positive legacy and make a difference in the communities in which we build."