A MUM-of-ten has put her creative talents to good use ... and generated 18,000 hits on social media feeds.

Catherine Spindler, 57, of Queen Mary Avenue, Colchester, launched Colchester Parenting on Facebook at the beginning of the coronavirus outbreak to help parents through this difficult period.

Mrs Spindler, who has previously had experience as a Cub and Beaver Scout leader, has been running an after-school club at North Primary School in Colchester whose 25 members were her original intended participants.

However, her ideas got more attention than she anticipated and her posts so far have been read 18,000 times with more than 300 people taking part.

She said: “Feeling frustrated that I could not go out and help people, I felt I had to do something so I set up Colchester Parenting.

“I am delighted families are clearly enjoying the ideas on the Colchester Parenting Facebook page.

“It all started with craft ideas but it escalated to general advice for young ones and teenagers.

“It is a hard time for everybody especially children who deal with the situation in different ways and we’ll see effects of lockdown in years to come, so it’s important to help them through this period.

“Hopefully, I’ve given a little inspiration and encouragement for parents who can feel lost after going into lockdown.”

As a mum-of-ten, including a set of twins, and grandmother of five children, Mrs Spindler said she knows how important it is to keep the children entertained and inspired, as much as you can.

She added most of her creative ideas come from years of experience bringing up children and making learning fun.

Activities have included creating a bird feeder, flag making, re-using bottle tops, finding wildlife during the daily exercise and for those finishing school, making a cushion from their old school top as a keepsake.

“The most popular so far has been a thank you sign in support of our rubbish collectors which has so far reached more than 4,000,” she added.

“It is great that families are able to enjoy the ideas on my page.

“Especially during this difficult time for so many young people and their parents.

“I’m amazed, honoured and privileged I managed to help so many people.”

“Having my own big family and not being able to see them has been hard for me, so these activities have helped me get through this period as well.”

Mrs Spindler has three daughters Natasha, Jodine and Keely and seven sons including John, twins Adam and James, Steven, Michael, Alfie and Harry.