The Salvation Army charity shop in Maldon has launched a new community initiative to encourage residents to send someone a letter to make them feel better.

The scheme launched last Friday (15 October), and means that customers will be given a pack of handmade cards by staff - free of charge - for every purchase made in the store.

Residents are encouraged to then write messages on these cards and send them out to people in the community.

A spokesperson for the branch said: "We know there are lots of people in our community who would love to recieve a letter from a neighbour or friend this autumn and winter."

They added: "Please help us to link our community together."

The initiative has been organised in conjunction with the community payback scheme.

You can find the Salvation Army charity shop at 70c High Street in Maldon.