A GROUP is hoping to bring some Christmas cheer to the needy.

Claire Simm and Anne Crumpton run the Spirit of Trust — a group set up to help anyone in need, including the homeless, people suffering from poverty and those fleeing domestic violence.

The friends have successfully helped many people over the past year and their Facebook group now has 300 active members all keen to help in the Bolton and Leigh areas. They provide food and clothing, nappies and toiletries.

Lately Miss Simm has been told about a homeless man in Horwich and she is trying to locate him to take some donated clothing to ensure he is more comfortable.

"We have some wonderful members who help enormously," said Miss Simm.

Miss Simm, who is 37-years-old, was homeless at the age of 14 so understands what it is to struggle on the streets. It has given her the empathy to deal with adversity.

It was three years ago that she came up with the idea of helping others when she suffered a brain aneurysm and as she describes it "was climbing the walls" at home.

She started to foster pets and then started her Spirit of Trust project which has taken off beyond all expectations.

She has an anonymous donor who sends regular donations without asking for any recognition and her members range in age from young people to older women and men.

When they hear about a needy cause they get to work collecting items that might be needed. It can be providing food for the homeless at a shelter — anyone who asks for their help will be considered.

Currently the Spirit of Trust is working on a project to collect toys for children who will be in refuge on Christmas Day.

Toys are being collected, cleaned, repaired and checked ready to be delivered to the Bolton charity Paws for Kids which helps children fleeing violence.

"I want every child in refuge in Bolton on Christmas Day to have a toy to open," says Miss Simm.

Anyone who would like to donate a toy to the appeal, or can help in any other way with the Spirit of Trust should visit the Facebook page or ring 07732892566.