Firefighters are delivering hot meals to those most in need during the coronavirus pandemic.

Working with Age UK, crews and support staff have volunteered their time to help out and have been taking supplies to people living in Sittingbourne, Faversham, Hythe and Lyminge, near Folkestone.

The fire service said staff were wearing appropriate protective equipment and following strict hygiene protocols to ensure they were protecting the high-risk individuals they were delivering to and themselves.

It has initially committed to assisting Age UK for two weeks and says it will keep this under review in line with operational need.

Karen Pointer, Kent Fire and Rescue Service group manager, said: "We're really pleased to be able to help Age UK in delivering this vital service to those who need it most in the community.

"Around 200 Kent Fire and Rescue Service personnel, both operational and support staff, have put themselves forward as volunteers to help with aid working during this pandemic.

"We hope to be able to support a range of charities and organisations to provide vital services for as long as this goes on for."

"We are, of course, completely on top of hygiene and infection control and it's something we are taking really seriously with our volunteers and, indeed, all our front-line staff who continue to serve the Kent community," she added.

Hayley Ross, Age UK service manager for Hythe and Lyminge, said: "We are extremely grateful for the support provided by Kent Fire and Rescue Service.

"They have, so far, assisted in the delivery of over 500 hot meals to our local community during this crisis and are offering ongoing support to continue helping those most vulnerable in our local communities."

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