WITH Christmas looming, Oswestry-based charity Hope House is hoping to raise some much-need funds with the sale of Christmas cards.

The charity currently faces being £1.25 million down for the year, so the sale of its annual Christmas cards have taken on extra importance.

Each year the charity releases a variety of designs in both English, Welsh and bi-lingual, and prove popular with customers in its shops and online.

Head of retail, Angela Whelan, said she hoped people would continue to support the charity.

"Normally our Christmas cards would be flying off the shelves, but with lockdowns in both England and Wales it's meant many of our shops have been unable to sell our stock," said Angela.

"We are fortunate that all our shops in Wales are open, and look forward to all our shops in England reopening from next week, so hope in the lead up to Christmas that people will be able to support us in picking up some of our fantastic Christmas cards."

This year Hope House's Christmas cards include some beautiful designs with both modern and traditional scenes which embody the true spirit of the festive season, and are available in all of the charity's shops and online at hopehouse.org.uk/shop

The profits from the sales directly support the hospice services and by purchasing Christmas cards people will help the charity reach children and families who need help.

"It's been a tough year in retail, and our charity shops are no different," added Angela. "But now all our shops are going to be open on the run up to Christmas we are hopeful our fantastic supporters will come out in force and help us have a successful December."

People can also support Hope House by purchasing tickets for its biggest ever Christmas raffle.

Tickets are £1 each for a jackpot of £6,000 which can be taken as a lump sum or £500 a month for a year.

Buy tickets at hopehouse.org.uk/christmas-raffle or call the fundraising office on 01691 671 671.