Cleator Moor residents are counting down the days until Christmas with a special advent calendar for the whole town to enjoy.

Sweets are being hung on the railings of Cleator Moor Square each morning and people are being encouraged to go and help themselves to a treat.

The idea came from Michelle Denwood, of the Cleator Caring Moor group, which runs an annual appeal to help struggling families in and around Cleator Moor over the festive period.

Michelle said she wanted to do something special this year in memory of Carl Dunn, a volunteer with Cleator Caring Moor, who died suddenly last December at the age of 39.

“He was a lovely guy,” Michelle said. “He had a huge heart and was a gentle giant. He had a great sense of fun.

“He was very involved – he was a great supporter and would help us in any way he could. He cooked food for families who don’t have cookers. If we held a fundraising event, he would be our chef.

“We decided this year we would do something fun to honour his memory. We started collecting 5ps and buying sweets. People have now started donating them.”

She said the advent calendar had been well-received by the community.

“We put between 30 and 40 out each day and they all go. People are saying it’s great – children are rushing out of school and wanting to grab them. We have had a great response. They seem to be going down an absolute storm.”

Every Christmas, Cleator Caring Moor hands out hundreds of packages filled with gifts, food and toiletries to those struggling to make ends meet. Michelle said this year’s appeal is already shaping up to be a success.

“It has been absolutely fantastic. I have been blown away by some of the donations we have had this year.”

She said the group had received “wonderful” donations from funeral directors, Adams Read and Hocking, and the Caritas group, a joint venture between St Mary’s Church, Cleator and St Joseph’s Church, Frizington.

Michelle said: “It means we can reach even further than we ever had before. Their donations are going to make Christmas better for so many families. Everybody has been so very supportive.

“Over the years, it’s grown and grown. More people are becoming involved. It’s reaching the wider community now. More local groups and businesses are recognising us now and coming on board. The more people we can reach, the better it’s going to be for the community. Every child should have something at Christmas.”