Your £2,000 Helping Hand (From Free Press Series)

Your £2,000 Helping Hand

Pontypool's newest retail name in town is offering a real Helping Hand to the area - by giving away £2,000 worth of products to community groups and charities.

Family retailer Wilkinson is bringing around 90 extra jobs to the area when it opens its store today. But as well as bringing new jobs, the retailer has teamed up with the Free Press to lend an extra Helping Hand to the local communities.

"We would love to hear from any local community groups or initiatives needing help with a project or an event - no matter how small or large.

Wilkinson stores are at the heart of the communities they serve and our Helping Hand initiative is just part of our commitment to Pontypool," said new store manager Liz Bird.

"Many of our stores have raised a great deal for charity over the years - and had lots of fun in the process!

"Other projects have included supplying bulbs and plants for a 'bloom' campaign, providing paint for local scouts and community groups as well as supporting business initiatives to re-vitalise town and city centres."

Together with supplier sponsor PBI, who are supporting the community project, we want to hear from local groups such as schools, scouts and guides, pensioners' clubs or any other community organisations.

If you feel you could use a Helping Hand with your project then please write to the Free Press with full details of your scheme and help required to.

Send your details into Helping Hand competition, Pontypool Free Press, Portland Buildings, Commercial Street, Pontypool NP4 6JS. The closing date is Wednesday, December 29.

Wilkinson sells a huge range of more than 25,000 everyday products at value prices all under one roof on the high street.

Its new store in Pontypool will join the company's growing family of stores - all of which are within town centres, reflecting Wilkinson's commitment to the high street rather than out-of-town developments.

"We are a family owned business and see ourselves as a community-based store and our Helping Hands initiative very much reflects that fact," added Liz.

Among its high quality, low-priced essential everyday products for all the family are kitchenware, household disposables, clothing, DIY decoration, confectionery, gardening and seasonal goods.

These are the lucky winners of our £2,300 Farmfoods competition.

Everyone else who entered with the correct answer will be receiving a £2 voucher direct from the store. Happy shopping! Mrs Marie Parry, 30 Morgan St, Blaenavon, NP4 9EP - £150 vouchers.

Mr R Kennard, 12 Hillcrest, New Inn, Pontypool, NP4 0NQ - £75 vouchers. David Bowen, 11 Burns Lane, St Dials, Cwmbran NP44 4LS - £75 vouchers.