TIRELESS volunteers supporting isolating members of the Middlewich community have been given another funding boost to continue their crucial work.

Having already received £936 from a fund using cash confiscated by criminals, the Middlewich Covid-19 support group has also received £500 from Tesco's Bags of Help scheme.

The grants, which total £1,436, will be used for the purchase essential personal protective equipment items, which are needed for ongoing volunteer activity, and hands free card readers to allow safer payments of goods to take place.

It will also go towards the purchase of a large freezer for Middlewich and District Foodbank, which will allow it to store more items for longer and give individuals and families who need to use the foodbank a greater choice of food.

Cllr Mike Hunter, chairman of Middlewich Town Council, said: "[The grants] will go a long way in helping residents during this crisis and it will alleviate some of the problems being faced by households.

"Middlewich town councillors and staff have responded rapidly to the current crisis and are working with an amazing group of local residents who have given their valued time to support many members of our community.

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"We are proud to be part of a coordinated and effective campaign which has ensured that those who need help have been able to get the assistance they require."

Bev Cope, from Middlewich Vision, submitted both grant bids on behalf of the Middlewich Covid-19 support group.

At the beginning of the lockdown many vulnerable Middlewich residents were unprepared and unsure where they could turn to for emergency food, prescriptions and other basic requirements to stay safe and healthy during this difficult time.

Middlewich residents Heidi Cox, Phil Rigden and Maria Mottershead started the volunteer campaign and quickly established an active team who took on responsibility for their own allocated area.

It now has more than 200 volunteers who have been working with the town council, Middlewich Vision and the foodbank throughout the coronavirus crisis to deliver prescriptions, shopping and urgent supplies to vulnerable people, as well as emotional support.