MORE than 1,000 Northumbrians have volunteered to help their communities during the coronavirus crisis.

Northumberland County Council's Northumberland Communities Together initiative has seen 1,100 people sign up since it was launched at the end of March.

The volunteers have been deployed to assist community and voluntary groups picking up shopping, dropping off prescriptions, organising food and making contact with the most vulnerable residents of Northumberland in a bid to stave off isolation.

Coun. Cath Homer, who represents Hexham East and is cabinet member responsible for the voluntary and community sector at the council said: “The response to our call out for volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive.

"We have now managed to place many of those volunteers with groups across the county.

“We would like to thank all of those volunteers who have given up their time to help others.

"We know those who have received help very much appreciate their efforts.

“There are still lots of ways you can help in your community, whether it is just looking out for your neighbours or staying in touch with friends.

"For now the message remains, stay safe, stay home and together we can beat this.”