A council's newly launched "community hub" has received more than 1,000 requests for help in its first week.

Canterbury City Council launched the project in response to the Covid-19 crisis, which has left many district residents struggling to make ends meet.

The hub coordinates volunteers and council staff, as they push to deliver food, medicine and essential items to vulnerable people across the Canterbury area, and provide friendly phone calls to those in isolation.

Despite only starting about a week ago, the service has already received 1,100 requests for help, through phone calls and its online forum.

The team has also identified 2,200 people who the government has asked the council to help on its behalf.

More than 1,000 people have come forward to register as volunteers at the hub, while £9,200 has so far been donated by others who are keen to support the drive.

A city council spokesman said: "This work is continuing every day, with people out and about delivering food parcels and vital medicine supplies.

"Thank you for the response to our call for volunteers and donations, without which it would be impossible to provide this support for the community."

If you know of someone in the community that needs help, or if you are struggling and would like support, contact the city council via its website, or by calling the city council's helpline on 01227 868598.

The launch of the community hub comes after Canterbury Food Bank revealed demand for its services has quadrupled in recent weeks, since the Covid-19 outbreak began.

To donate to the city council's coronavirus appeal, click here.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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