A CHESTER-BASED independent estate agents sprung a surprise on Cestrians by hiding cash-filled orange envelopes across Chester city centre.

The Chester Homeasy team of Liz and Nathan Pearson, Aimee Davies, Isobel Hoskins and their office dog Lulu had been preparing their #5reasonswhy campaign since October 2018.

In that month Homeasy asked residents of Chester what five good causes they would like Homeasy to support in 2019.

From over 50 nominations, the most voted were Share Shop, Chester Voluntary Action, Chester Aid The Homeless, Live Laugh Lache and Hospice of the good Shepherd.

Homeasy wanted to highlight this campaign by hiding orange envelopes around the city containing £5 notes and instructions to do something good with the money, whether it was to buy a good friend a bunch of flowers, pay for a suspended coffee or making someone less fortunate smile.

Liz Pearson, owner of Homeasy, said: “Goodwill and gestures of kindness help community spirit. Great communities make happy residents and homes more attractive to potential buyers and sellers. We love being able to make a positive impact and give back.”

With the help of local independent creative agency Canteen Create, the whole day and its success was filmed and shared on social media. So far the video has reached over 15,000 residents and has been shared over 50 times.

The team recorded a young family going and enjoying pancakes, a pay-it-forward gesture from two young boys, and received a message from Lisa Turner from Stoke on Trent, who was in Chester on the day.

She commented on the video and wrote: “Hi my name's Lisa I found one of these envelopes by the amphitheatre. I found the £5 inside you can do what you wanted with it, buy someone a coffee or some flowers. I decided to give to my daughter who is giving to the church who are buying blankets, socks, hats, gloves etc for the homeless. I think these envelopes are a brill idea and I know this gesture will help someone so thank you.”

Since launching two years ago, Homeasy continues to grow and has helped create 15 more micro-branches that operate in Liverpool, Manchester, North Wales, London, Isle of Man, Wirral and Warrington.

They are aiming to replicate this initiative in their newly launched areas.