A BIG-HEARTED grandmother is hoping to make a difference to the homeless and anyone struggling to make ends meet.

Mum-of-two Georgina Lockett is starting a soup kitchen in Winsford town centre and has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community.

She has been inundated with donations of food and volunteers have also offered to help.

"It was all my idea," said Georgina, who has transformed her own life at the age of 60 by opening her own florist shop, Georgina's Incredible Blooms.

"I've got a drive at the side of my shop which is all gated so I could easily turn it into a soup kitchen. It's nice to give something back.

"Anyone can come down and have some warm soup and a roll."

Georgina is also collecting warm clothing to distribute to people in need.

"I'm going to put out boxes of clothes and men, women and children can help themselves.

"I'm collecting jackets, jumpers, coats and blankets that are clean and in good condition.

"I'm also looking for donations of soup, bread and polystyrene cups.

"St Luke's Hospice has kindly given us bowls and cups and staff from GDPO have donated lots of soup." 

Enterprising Georgina, who has two daughters and four grandsons, decided to make a fresh start with her career when many women her age are often considering retirement.

She was working as an administration assistant at a lending bank and is a qualified mortgage adviser by trade.

"I was fed up being micro managed," said Georgina, from Winsford. "I always said I would love to own a florist."

The florist started working at home and opened a market stall on Saturdays.

After giving up her full-time job she expanded her market business to three days a week for a year.

Her dream came true when a shop became available on High Street.

"I just love flowers," said Georgina. "I love to put a smile on people's faces when you turn up with them.

"For weddings I like to get to know the bride personally. I only have one chance on the day to get it right so it is important to know them so well that I know exactly what they want."

Georgina gets up at dawn every day to drive to the wholesalers for flowers.

"I'm lucky I have good family support," she said. "I'm not in a position to employ anyone. My daughter Leanne helps me out on a voluntary basis and my husband Richard is very supportive."

Anyone interested in helping out as a volunteer is invited to a meeting at the shop at 6pm on Wednesday, November 14.

Georgina plans to start her soup kitchen on Thursday, December 6 from 5.30pm to 8pm.

"I'm hoping to run it every Thursday evening until Christmas," she said. "If January is cold I will continue it in the new year."