Maldon's Grinch now has a Facebook page and is collecting donations for the Teenage Children's Cancer Trust.

Within just a few hours of a Just Giving page being set up today (Wednesday, 23 December) by fan Lauraleigh McLeod, the original target of £500 had been smashed and reached £1,675 - and the sum was continuing to rise.

In a video released on social media today, the Grinch told how he loved the Maldon community, adding: "I love you all loads, because my heart's actually grown two or three sizes."

The character from 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' by Dr Seuss has promised to "pop up" in as many places in Maldon "and perhaps the surrounding areas" as possible tomorrow (Christmas Eve) but wouldn't say where, so as to avoid creating crowds.

He also spoke about the Just Giving page, adding: "So if you'd like to give a pound - just a pound, that'll do - that would be smashing."

Anyone who would like to donate can do so through the link to the Just Giving page here.

The identity of the character himself is clear.

When Maldon Nub News caught up with him yesterday (Tuesday, 22 December) by the Lidl supermarket in Maldon, he said: "Who am I? Well, I'm the Grinch of course. That's who I am."

He then made sure he did some great poses for us as he carried on waving back at children - and adults - in passing cars.

We did ask him for an interview and left him with one of our cards, which he promptly tucked into a red shoe for later. Will he get back to us? Nobody knows - except perhaps for the Grinch himself.

You can ask to join the Maldon Grinch's Facebook page, 'I spy with my little eye something beginning with g' through the link here where you can also find his video.