A volunteer group has been set up by good samaritans to help deliver essential items to vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak.

People from Cliffe Woods, Wainscott and Higham, are offering their services to drop off much needed items to elderly people as they're set to be advised to self-isolate.

Lee Climpson, who is one of the founders of the group with Char Giles, said: "During the COVID-19 outbreak we have put together the group to deliver essential items in certain areas, to those who are unable to get out and about to get them.

"We will be mail-dropping every road in each area to gather intel on where vulnerable and elderly people are - and if they need help.

"We need representatives for each area, with those representatives then working together to decide on which roads to deliver to."

The Facebook group has so far attracted 150 people within the first 12 hours, with numbers for volunteers in each area being finalised on Friday.

Following this, drop-off of products will take place this Saturday and Sunday.

"The response has been amazing with people across all four areas jumping at the chance to help others in their local neighbourhood."

The 41-year-old, of Reedham Crescent, Cliffe Woods, added: "The group is designed to help any elderly or vulnerable people who may have to self-isolate over the next few months.

"Whether they have the virus or just need to stay indoors for a period of time, they will need a helping hand. This could be help with picking up shopping, posting mail, or picking up urgent supplies.

"The mental health risks of being stuck indoors for a long period of time will also be a huge strain on them, so just knowing that a friendly voice is at the end of the phone will be a great help.

"The response has been amazing with people across all four areas jumping at the chance to help others in their local neighbourhood."

Last week a mother-of-three set up a similar group to help in the battle against COVID-19 in Gillingham.

Kirsty Gill, of Carrington Close, said: "I'm just worried about all of the old people. I usually see quite a lot of people walking their dogs and popping to the shops for their paper and I'm so worried that they are not going anymore.

"Because I'm at home a lot and I can help them, I would rather them stay at home and feel safe.

"The only thing I worry about is some elderly people are not as trusting, so we would buy all of their shopping and give them a receipt and then collect their money so they don't feel they are giving their money away."

To find out more, or to offer your support in Gillingham, email kirstygillltfj@gmail.com or visit the Facebook page.

To help out in Cliffe Woods, Wainscott or Higham, join their Facebook page.

As of 9am on Sunday there are two cases of coronavirus in Medway.

For the latest coronavirus news and advice, click here.

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