INSPIRED by today’s Time To Talk Day posts, a Benarty woman contacted the Times to share a feel-good story from her community.

Tammy Marr, a Benarty local, told the Times: “The Benarty advent calendar at Christmas was a huge local hit.

“We posted funny videos featuring Grinch and the elves throughout December on the dedicated page, then shared to other Facebook pages and had a huge positive response.

“Benarty is well known for community events but due to the pandemic nothing was able to go ahead, I wanted to think outside the box a bit and the advent calendar seemed like a great way to bring some cheer to everyone in a safe and accessible way.

“Fortunately I knew the elf parents/chauffeurs well from previous events and they were all enthusiastic so it was full steam ahead.

“The project pulled in involvement from so many different people and groups, we had local business owners acting and singing with the elves, dance schools filming routines with the Grinch, Lochore Welfare FC did the ‘Carlton dance’ on the pitch, we even had the Grinch do an interview with BRAGS employability team before he was eventually caught and reprimanded by the community police.”

Tammy wanted to say a number of thanks to some of the important people who made it possible.

She said: “Firstly to all of our wonderful business owners, local groups and organisations for trusting my crazy ideas and getting involved. They were absolutely fantastic.

“Secondly, a shout out to Danny the wonder dog and his sidekick James McShane for being such good sports and the best kept surprise.

“To the elf chauffeurs: thank you so much for helping out and filming, it just couldn’t have happened without you and the biggest thanks of course comes from the Grinch to the elves, our young community champions who turned up in all weathers, performed their wee hearts out with smiles on their faces and kept a community smiling. So proud of each and every one of them.

“To the businesses and groups we didn’t catch up with.... we’ll be seeing you later this year.”