A WREXHAM trader has praised the public in backing their zero-waste Christmas gift tags appeal.

Ruth Rees, owner of the Martin Rees Jewellers, which is located on Chester Street, expressed her gratitude towards those who have made her appeal a success.

Ms Rees posted the appeal on Facebook on December 27, which has so far been shared over 400 times.

The motivation behind the appeal came after Ms Rees wanted to make a real effort in cutting down on her single-use plastic in order to reduce her waste, which resulted in her teaming up with friend and crafter, Margaret Forbes to produce the zero-waste gift tags for this year’s gift wrapping.

She said: “It’s just amazing.

“Margaret and her husband have just picked up the second batch this morning, and it completely filled their car boot - and also overflowed on to the back seat.

“Within the two or three hours since then, we already had another six large carrier bags full.

“Rest assured they will all be put to use one way or another, so keep dropping them off with us.

The Leader:

“You can also bring us any spare plastic carrier bags you have, as they will be passed on to ‘Given to Shine’ - which is the volunteer mobile food bank people who are always in need of them.

“We’re currently saving all the ones the cards come in to give to them.

“And can we stress the point of taking off the backs of the cards and just sending fronts in to us, which would be most appreciated.

“Thank you.”

The idea behind the gift tag appeal came after Ms Rees searched for a new alternative to the plastic bows she has always used when gift wrapping items for her customers.

She explained: “I suddenly had a brainwave, as I sat gazing at the lovely cards on display in my living room - why not collect as many of the old Christmas cards we possibly can, and then get my friend Margaret Forbes to make gift tags from them?

“We will pay her for them, and any surplus can be sold to other businesses and the general public, and that will raise funds

for her favourite charity, the Royal British Legion.”

Any unwanted Christmas cards can be dropped off any day of your choosing to Martin Rees Jewellers and Christmas tags are now available to purchase.