VILLAGERS have started a new action group to help vulnerable residents during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.

The Earls Colne Community Action Group was launched last week.

The Facebook group allows members to communicate and volunteer to help vulnerable residents with daily tasks.

The group has grown quickly after being launched by Earls Colne resident Cherry McKean.

She said: “I first decided to start this up last week because I could feel the situation getting worse and worse.

“We have lots of elderly and vulnerable residents here in Earls Colne so now is a time where we really need to come together and help one another.

“At first I added a few friends and began to spread the word and it has just taken off.

“So far, we’ve got around 500 members on the Facebook group and around 60 volunteers.”

The group is also backed by village vicar Mark Payne and parish council clerk Angela Emmerson.

Mrs McKean said: “We have sent out ‘Hello’ posters around the village, delivered by volunteers to reassure people and let them know about the service.

“It seems our efforts are beginning to spread too as groups in Colne Engaine and White Colne have also been set up.

“It really is a lovely feeling.”