A MISS Wales finalist from Chirk has teamed up with a town councillor to collect more than 550 Easter eggs for children in the community.

Lauren Parkinson, who arranges an annual Easter egg collection, has joined forces with Councillor Gareth Baines to collect the eggs, thanks to support from businesses and residents in the town.

The eggs will be made free for collection for children in Chirk on Easter Sunday when Lauren, Cllr Baines and some helpers will be at Caffi Wylfa to hand them out.

Lauren hopes the gesture is able to put a smile on children’s faces after a difficult year.

She said: “This year we’ve managed to collect more than 550, having collected fewer than 50 last year.

“We are doing it for the children in Chirk and the community has really got behind it.

“We’re also collecting them for Chirk Court Residential Home and the Wrexham Maelor Children’s Ward.

“The response has been huge and local businesses have donated which is amazing too.”

“It’s just to put a smile on their face after everything that has happened in the past year.

“They’ve not been in school or really been allowed out to see their friends.

“We just hope this can bring a little smile to their faces.”

The annual egg collection is something Lauren has arranged previously through the Miss Wales Organisation.

Lauren is set to compete as a Miss Wales finalist in September.

She said the community response to the collection this year has been even more overwhelming.

“I’m completely overwhelmed and completely surprised to be honest,” Lauren said.

“I never thought it would get this much attention.

“I have to thank Cllr Baines for helping out and making this happen.

“It’s something I love to do through the Miss Wales Organisation as a way to get the community involved, especially through these difficult times.

“To see the community spirit and everyone pulling together has been amazing.”

Cllr Baines added: “This is something Lauren has done in the past, and given the year we’ve had, it’s nice to be able to do something for children.

“I think younger children have suffered more than the rest of us. I think it’s a nice gesture and something which has been well-supported by the community.”

The pair thanked local businesses which donated to the appeal including; Stanton House, Fistral Ltd., Chirk Tavern, SPAR Chirk, Stans Superstore, Morrisons and Cabs Are Here.

Easter eggs can be collected from Caffi Wylfa on Sunday, April 4 from 12.30pm.