Shopping orders and prescriptions delivered to dozens of residents in the Coquet Valley

Around 30 of the 150 or so volunteers who have signed up to help the elderly and vulnerable in the Rothbury area turned out on Friday to assist in the weekly pick, pack and deliver.

These have been delivered across Rothbury, Coquetdale, Elsdon, Glanton, Whittingham, Callaly and Longframlington.

The group is also running a daily urgent item scheme where volunteers will take any essential items or prescriptions that are needed on the day.

Coun Steven Bridgett, member for Rothbury on Northumberland County Council, said: “All of this is being done without any of our volunteers coming into contact with residents other than over the telephone and even then it is only our coordinators who are all enhanced DBS checked.

“We have set up a dedicated telephone line for residents to make contact which has been advertised in the press, on social media and in a letter going out to every household in my division over the weekend.

“None of what I have mentioned above could have been possible with the support of Northumberland County Council across all departments.

“Given the disproportionately high number of residents in my division who are over 70, it is no surprise that we have had registrations for a further 32 residents for the service and we are preparing to deliver to in excess of 100 households as of next week.

“The response from this council has been nothing short of superb and I commend every member of staff for all of the hard work they are carrying out behind the scenes.

“The next few weeks is not going to be easy on any of us (mainly our staff) but the only way we are going to get through this is my mobilising our communities and Northumberland County Council staff support has been pivotal in doing that in mine. All I have had to do is ask for support when needed.”

Anyone in the Rothbury area who needs support can call the Covid-19 Help Line on 07500 784372.