A PRUDHOE-BASED filtration and interlining company has responded to the national shortage of PPE.

Permess Pre-Cut Solutions, on the town’s industrial estate, has supplied over 4,000 metres of medical material and gowns to the Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

The company was approached over Easter weekend and, less than 24 hours later, production had started.

Managing director Janet Stuart said: “Our staff are not garment manufacturers, but I was confident they could diversify and use their skills to manufacture these desperately needed gowns.

“We have a dedicated line in our factory, which I hope to be an integral part in the future. We are proud to give something back and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed to the success, helping our local healthcare at a time of need.”