AN artist is hoping to bring some Christmas cheer to isolated and lonely elderly people in Sale this year by making bespoke festive cards for them – and you can get involved.

Debbie Tomkies has launched her ‘Make a Card - Share a Smile’ project.

Debbie wants to bring people together to make Christmas cards for older people in Sale, who may not otherwise receive cards at Christmas.

On Sunday November 27, Debbie ran the ‘Make a Card – Share a Smile’ workshop at Tesco’s, in The Square Shopping Centre, Sale, which was funded by Make Sale Smile – a Trafford Community Partnership Initiative to foster community spirit in Sale.

"The card-making event at Tesco was amazing," said Debbie. "We had over 60 people, young and not so young, making cards for our older people. We have more on the way and some already in the bag as it were, so we’re anticipating over 200 cards will be distributed this Christmas."

The cards will be delivered via the Well pharmacy on Eastway, Cyril Flint Befrienders and residential homes.

“We really hope it will give older members of our community a smile to know that people are thinking about them,” said Debbie.

Debbie has been teaching textile arts, writing, and designing, as well as running an online craft business, for the past ten years.

She also set up a social enterprise in Sale called ‘Making Futures’, which aims to improve health and wellbeing through creative projects in the community.

Cards are being taken up to December 10. Anyone who would like to get involved, should visit debbietomkies.co.uk/make-a-card-share-a-smile/.