RESIDENTS in and around Cockermouth are being given an Easter treat by a town centre shop owner and her customers.

Lyn Osbaldeston, who runs the New to You by The Cumbrian Wordsmith shop in Market Place, at the bottom of Castlegate, is making up seasonal goody bags for the Linking Lives charity.

It’s the second time she has donated gifts to the charity after sharing vouchers for local businesses at Christmas.

Lyn sells quality second-hand items and also has a mug printing business and a percentage of her sales goes to charity. She had been approached by Linking Lives to create some mugs and decided to keep supporting the befriending service it offers.

Lyn said: “I just want to bring a smile to people’s faces and this means I can take the generous donations of local people and put the benefits right back in the community.

“I’ll be putting Easter eggs and some lovely toiletries in the bags for Linking Lives to share through its networks.”

Linking Lives is a befriending service aimed at adults who want additional friendship and support. It can be a lifeline for those living alone, or are unable to leave home regularly, or otherwise have little community contact. The charity has a team of volunteers who provide weekly home visits or phone calls, as well as social events.

Terry Peate, of Linking Lives Cockermouth, said: “We are so grateful for Lyn’s support and want to say thank you to her for thinking of the people we befriend. Little gestures like this go a long way and we look forward to seeing the smiles from the gift recipients.”

Linking Lives volunteers need to commit just one hour a week to help with the befriending service. If you can help call 07957 515140 or email cockermouth@linkinglives.uk.