COMMUNITY heroes have been praised after rallying round to help support the vulnerable and elderly.

People aged over 70 and those with serious or chronic health conditions have been advised to avoid social contact for as long as four months.

It has led to dozens of kind-hearted people taking measures to make the most in need still get supplies and food.

David Smithson, 28, has set up a Facebook group called A Helping Hand for people across Colchester.

Mr Smithson, who is a mortgage broker at Mortgages First in Crouch Street, said: “I created the group as I had seen individuals asking for help online as well as offering help too.

“For example, elderly people homes being locked down so can people provide board games and DVDs or simply asking what stores have medicine for their children.

“Since creating the group many have posted and offered to help or go out their way to be of assistance.

“I wanted to create a hub which would also allow those isolating to reach out and ask for supplies or help.

“Anyone of us could be a few doors down from an elderly neighbour struggling and we wouldn’t even know.

“I felt the group could spread the message that help is out there and show people that in this time of uncertainty people can pull together and create a sense of community.”

To join in, visit Facebook and search A Helping Hand.

The Angel Inn, in Stoke by Nayland, has closed to customers but is continuing to deliver meals and supplies to the community.

Customers can get takeaway meals and food such as vegetables and cleaning products.

Ross Parrock, from the pub, said: “I have had to close our pub, restaurant and hotel due to the Covid-19 crisis we are all struggling with.

“I have taken this decision for our staff and guests safety and so we can now focus on providing meals to the community through delivery.

“We are also using our supply chains to help deliver the essentials to the community.

“We are in a position now where we have had to lay off many staff and we are simply trying to generate some income so that we can give much-needed work to our amazing team.

“This is now not about us making money but supporting our employees and the community.”

Therapists and teachers from The Manor Health and Wellness Centre in Colchester are offering counselling, yoga and meditation via Facebook.

Sarah Jane Sexton, from the business, said: “ We have an experienced team of health practitioners who are available to offer free and discounted services that will be held online, over the phone or in-house where possible.

“We are all here to help support people through these anxious times and give them space where they can try to switch off from it all and find a little peace.”

Colchester mayor Nick Cope has praised the community for coming together.

He said: “Even in wartime, cafes and cinemas stay open and public life carries on as usual.

“That’s how you know this is a different thing altogether from whatever else you have seen in your lifetime.

“We should take comfort whenever we can and wherever we find it.

“Whilst the situation continues to develop rapidly, the response so far in our community has been incredibly heartening – with local groups and individuals stepping forward to support some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Colchester Council has mobilised its community response team alongside Community 360 to provide support, advice and assistance.

Council leader Mark Cory said: “The response from our communities has been brilliant so far.

“Many people are offering help to support those in need.

“We have a long road ahead but I see people pulling together in a great way.

“The best way to help others remains keeping to strict social distancing, self-isolation and not panic buying in the shops.”

Colchester-based Anglia Crown which produces meals for hospitals across the UK is looking to recruit workers.

Vacancies it is looking to fill include kitchen production, stores operatives, packing and picking persons and HGV drivers.

Paul Howell, director for Anglia Crown stated: “The demand for our food is increasing significantly and we need to urgently recruit staff across many areas to ensure we continue to support our customers, hospitals and patients. We also want to support those who have recently been made redundant and to offer them a job opportunity.”

Email your CV and details to hr@angliacrown.co.uk.