A GROUP set up to help residents of a Borders town throughout the pandemic is thanking volunteers and the community for all of the support it has received.

Longtown Coronavirus Support Group has had a successful few months in helping members of the community in a variety of ways.

The group established a food bank to help Longtown residents who may be struggling to afford food during the pandemic.

Each week they distribute an average of 50 food bags and 50 fresh fruit and vegetable bags across both Arthuret and Kirkandrews on Esk parishes.

It has also been giving five-day lunch bags to families that are not receiving the free school meals vouchers.

Karen Johnson, co-ordinator of the group, said: “The support we have had has been amazing and we have a great team of volunteers working together.”

However, their work goes beyond this.

The small team of volunteers has been shopping and collecting prescriptions for people who have been unable to leave their house. They have also put together and handed out 60 craft kits to families which have been very well received.

Gordon Routledge, vice chairman of Arthuret Parish Council, said: “It has been great to see the commitment and hard work all of the volunteers have put in and pulled together to make this a success.

“The parish council are pleased to be working with them.”

Members have received an immense amount of support from the entire Longtown community.