A local charity is lending a helping hand at a time of national crisis.

The Miners Lamb Community Cafe and Hub, in Prudhoe, is supporting vulnerable individuals and families with emergency care packages, amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Despite closing the doors of its food bank recently, the organisation remains dedicated to serving the community.

And the group have made a desperate plea on social media for monetary donations, as food parcels have dried up, as the need for essentials has increased.

A statement from the cafe said: “Unfortunately, we’ve felt the effect of panic buying and stockpiling, we’ve found it impossible to replenish stock for our food bank. If you feel you can donate a few pounds to help us buy items, please do. It makes every bit of difference.”

A fund-raising page, set up last week, has since received nearly £1,000 in donations, which will be used to buy food and hygiene products for those facing financial hardship.

Russ Greig, a trustee, said: “My life’s changed completely.

“Normally our quiet community cafe and hub just ticks along nicely, but our cafe has now closed and donations to our food bank have dried up completely, as have donations from supermarkets.

“We’re now fund-raising to go out and buy food for people.

“And I will be delivering these parcels to people who never normally would need a food bank”.

Hayley Dickinson, who manages the financial donations made to the charity, said: “We are all affected by this and, for the majority of us, it is in the same way, financially.

“Due to health, Russ has been forced to close the cafe, but continues to work the local community.

“He’s doing an amazing thing.”

The West Northumberland Foodbank has also closed its doors, but will continue to provide an essential voluntary service for those in need wherever possible.