A UK-wide disaster relief fund has announced a further £5 million will be distributed to frontline charities helping those most impacted by the coronavirus outbreak.

Nearly half of the £16 million total pledged to the The National Emergencies Trust’s coronavirus appeal has been given out, following an initial allocation of almost £2.5 million a week after the appeal was launched on March 18.

Further distributions will be made in the coming days to 46 local community foundations across the country who are helping the most vulnerable.

The National Emergencies Trust’s coronavirus appeal was launched in partnership with the British Red Cross and with the support of the Duke of Cambridge.

The trust was founded in November last year to raise and distribute funds for future national emergencies, and the duke remarked at the time that he “dreaded” the day that it would be needed.

John Herriman, chief executive of the National Emergencies Trust, said: “It is fantastic that good causes across the UK are already seeing the benefits of the public’s support and the overwhelming generosity of our corporate donors.

“It’s vital that we are able to offer support to these groups as soon as we can.

“Our work may have started but there is still much more to do.

“We’re asking the public to get behind the appeal and make contribution if possible, or to spread the word to help raise awareness.

“Everyone who donates can be confident their money is reaching those in need quickly and making an instant difference to the most vulnerable in our communities at this difficult time.

“We need to come together more than ever and I’m heartened the British public are rising to the challenge.”

Major businesses and charitable trusts, as well as the public, have donated to the appeal, with corporate donors including BT, Tesco, HSBC, M&S and National Grid.

Donations can be made at www.nationalemergenciestrust.org.uk or by texting APPEAL to 70141 to donate £10.