A new community support hub has been set up to provide food and essentials to people who are most in need amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Maidstone Borough Council is running the initiative with the help of volunteer and community groups, to assist those with serious medical conditions who have been told to remain indoors for at least 12 weeks to protect them from the virus.

This comes as one man, who suffers from Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, was forced to venture out to the shops when he ran out of food, because he didn't know who to call for help.

Workers will be delivering free parcels of groceries, picking up prescriptions and providing other supplies to people of any age who are in need of additional support.

Open from Monday to Friday, between 8.30am and 5pm, the hub can be reached on free number 0300 303 1650 or via the council website.

The council leader, Cllr Martin Cox said: "The Maidstone Community Hub is here to help our local residents who are most in need.

"It will provide a service to the most vulnerable working in partnership with other agencies and community groups.

"This will include helping people who are socially isolated, those who may need essential groceries or medication.

“The MBC team has worked very hard to set-up this service which we believe is vital to ensuring the most vulnerable are looked after."

Communities secretary, Robert Jenrick, added: "Nobody needs to worry about getting the food and essential items that they will need."

Read more: All the latest coronavirus news

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone