TESCO'S motto "Every Little Helps" took on a new meaning this week after the new manager of the Hibel Road superstore gave us a trolleyful of goodies for our Christmas party.

Rob Parkin, 33, who only took over the reins in September, was just as excited as us about the December 16 bash at the town hall.

And he was only too happy to pledge £100 worth of mince pies, plum puddings and other festive food for the big day.

He said: "I am only too happy to help. Tesco is a big part of Macclesfield and we would like to give something back to the community who support us. Good luck to you all."

Rob, who hails from Shrewsbury, is looking forward to his stay in the town and to the ambitious plans for his superstore which he revealed is about to become a bigger, better two-storey affair in the New Year.

"I have great plans for Tesco on Hibel Road and customers can look forward to a new improved service," he said. "It is already happening. I have brought a team of experienced managers with me to help and we have invested heavily in a more efficient check-out. The store just needs a little nurturing."

So newcomer Rob Parkin is helping. But what about the rest of our community - those of you who have been part of it for longer?

Last week we launched our Christmas Party and Parcel Appeal in which we asked you to either play a part in putting on a party or bring in a parcel for the elderly and those alone over Christmas.

There have been kind offers of help, but not enough for the blow-out we are planning!

We believe that our readers - the ones who will be enjoying their yuletide with their nearest and dearest - would like to see others less fortunate have just one day of fun. It will be one to keep them going over what can be a sad time for many.

But we cannot put on a party without YOU!

Veteran charity fundraiser John Jones MADE a slot in his busy diary for Friday, December 16, in order to do his bit. And he will be entertaining our guests on the accordion as they arrive.

John, who has raised thousands of pounds for the East Cheshire Hospice, was determined to make an appearance even though his day is full of charity events and he has had to juggle times to fit us in.

United Utilities have kindly agreed to supply a big Christmas tree from Macclesfield Forest to give the day a festive feel.

The Mayor Coun Norman Edwards is our Santa and columnist Vic Barlow will be compere and pulling a few legs.

But we desperately need YOU to both help and be our guests.

We still urgently need a CHEF to cook the food. We still urgently need ENTERTAINERS to perform. And we still urgently need donations of Christmas produce like turkeys, vegetables, crackers, and table decorations.

We also need the goodie bags - small new unisex gifts, wrapped with detachable labels stating their contents, in order for Santa to do his bit. They can be left in our "bran tub" situated at the front counter of our Macclesfield Express Chestergate office.

Also we can't have a party without guests. We still have plenty of spare places for the knees-up which is taking place between noon and 4pm at Macclesfield Town Hall on Friday, December 16.

Time is ticking and we want to be inundated by your generosity. We know you can rally. You have done it lots of times before. We have a town full of talent and expertise. Your party needs YOU!

PLEASE, please help. We cannot hold this function without our readers. If you have any ideas, or would like to pledge a gift or even make a cash donation, please email macclesfieldexpress@gmwn.co.uk subject Xmas Party and Parcel Appeal or write to Xmas Part and Parcel Appeal, 37 Chestergate, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6AL. Do not delay.