HOUSEBUILDER David Wilson Homes North West is throwing open the doors to its show homes to help residents and future homeowners to help keep their Lent promises.

The Lent ‘amnesty zone’, which is available at the company’s Winnington Village site on Winnington Lane, will act as a drop off point for those looking to safely stow away items which may tempt them between Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

A resident who plans to give up chocolate could safely leave the sweet treats they already have in their kitchen at the development’s show home, ready for collection once Lent has finished.

The sales office will take care of any items from March 1 to April 13.

Steve Jackson, sales director at David Wilson North West, said: “Lent is a time where many of us will give up one of our favourite naughty treats or vices, but sticking to this abstinence can be tricky, especially if what we’re trying to avoid is lurking in our homes.

“That’s why we’re looking to help people stick to their Lent goals by providing a safe place in which to leave their selected items.”

Lent is the period of reflection and preparation during the 40 days which come before Easter in the Christian calendar.

By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the wilderness for 40 days.

Lent is marked by fasting from food and festivities, although in modern times, this usually takes the form of giving up one type of food or vice, for example alcohol, chocolate, crisps or smoking.