A CHARITABLE group is working together to give dozens of young care leavers a Christmas to remember in Ellesmere Port.

The Ellesmere Port Steering Group has been set up for the purpose of giving care leavers in the area aged between 18 and 27 a free Christmas dinner and presents that will make a difference.

The event will be held at the home of Action Transport Theatre in Whitby Hall, Whitby Park on Christmas Day between 11am-4pm, benefitting 35 young people.

The steering group was inspired to kick-start the project by the Lemn Sissay Foundation, which has for a number of years organised Christmas dinner events in several cities including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds and Stockport.

The foundation, after hearing about the Ellesmere Port event, has generously donated £2,000 to the group.

Also showing their support are Geoff and Debbie Hughes of the independent Geoff Hughes Family Butcher in Chester Market, who have donated all the turkey required for the meal at no cost, while the King Street Residents Association in Chester city centre has donated hundreds of pounds.

Now further support is sought from the local community in the form of volunteers, donations and presents, so a similar event can be a success in Ellesmere Port.

A crowdfunding page has been set up at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/ellesmere-port-xmas-dinner-for-care-leavers-2018 with a £5,000 target.

Suitable presents for care leavers such as iPads, books, games and clothing such as dressing gowns would also be gratefully received.

Volunteers are also sought to help the steering group prepare for the event, even if they will be unable to assist on Christmas Day itself, by coming up with ideas, arranging for transport, decorating and wrapping up gifts.

In addition, any companies which can provide an oven for hire on Christmas Day are urged to get in touch.

The Ellesmere Port Steering Group meets at Whitby Hall every Wednesday at 5pm at Whitby Hall.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Cabinet Member Communities and Wellbeing at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: "This is such a brilliant project, where so many different people and organisations are coming together to make a very special day for these young people.

"We will make sure the council provides as much help and support as possible."

Councillor Nicole Meardon, Cheshire West and Chester Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, added: “This wonderful event will help some of our care leavers to enjoy a festive celebration amongst friends in Whitby Hall this Christmas.

"As a council, it’s important that we provide our care leavers with ongoing support and guidance as they take their first steps into adulthood. I’m really looking forward to meeting the young people and celebrating Christmas with them.”

For more information about the group and its Christmas Day project, or to help, email ellesmereportxmasdinner@gmail.com, visit the group's crowdfunding page, search for the 'Ellesmere Port Christmas Dinner campaign' page on Facebook or follow on Twitter @EllesmereXmasD1.