A CHESTER-BASED window cleaning firm is offering its services free of charge over Christmas to community heroes and deserving residents.

iSparkle has launched a competition asking customers on its Facebook page to nominate someone they feel deserves some festive cheer.

It could be an NHS staff member, shopworker, charity volunteer or a neighbour who has helped out during this coronavirus pandemic.

Or it could be for someone who is elderly and vulnerable.

The company, which was set up 10 years ago by Richard Lee from Hoole, is offering up to 25 free cleans available to people across Chester and Ellesmere Port over the Christmas period.

Richard said: “The reason we came up with the idea was because I was asked to clean the windows of an elderly gentleman on his 90th birthday.

“He was housebound and sat in front of his window during the day. I think he was quite touched that one of his carers had approached us and that we were happy to help.

“I started speaking to our customers and our staff and asking what we could do that was a positive thing. I wanted a way to end what has been a challenging year for our business on a high note.

"We are great at cleaning windows and we know it gives people a real perk up when they see their home looking clean and bright after we’ve been.

"We thought about how we could choose people, the only fair way seemed to be to ask the community."

iSparkle has been hit hard through the pandemic but owner Richard says they are luckier than some and have been able to continue to see their residential customers.

“We had to shut everything down and the commercial side of our business was very badly hit,” added Richard.

“We lost contracts and clients and we had to get help from the government.

“We had to put some staff on furlough but now we hope that things may begin to open up and get back to normal.”

Nominations are open until December 17 when the team will select the 25 people who will get a free clean.

The company will also be taking donations on their website for Clare House Children’s Hospice over Christmas.

  • For details search for iSparkle window cleaning on Facebook.