ONE of the Tyne Valley's largest employers is donating more than 20,000 masks to encourage residents to shop local.

Essity Prudhoe Mill is backing independent shops in Prudhoe by providing 24,000 face masks for them to give away to customers who are shopping local.

The masks were made at one of the company's factories in Sweden. The facility usually produces nappies, but earlier this year it switched to making single use masks for the company's employees across Europe.

When the Mill at Prudhoe found it had more than they needed to keep staff safe, it was decided to give the rest to the people of the town.

Paul Murray, chairman of the Prudhoe Front Street Traders Committee has enlisted the help of more than 60 shops, leisure facilities, care homes, dental practices, restaurants, pubs and bars to help get the masks to the elderly and those most in need.

He said: “We were delighted to support Essity with the distribution of protective face masks, their generous donation has been greatly appreciated and really contributes to giving our shoppers the confidence to continue to shop locally.

"I would also like to thank all the retailers that have supported with the distribution of these masks as their commitment to this has been outstanding.

County councillor Gordon Stewart welcomed the donation of face masks and said supporting traders in Front Street was important in ensuring they would still be there when things get back to normal.

“The wearing of masks when shopping is not just a requirement, it’s also vital as part of our efforts in keeping our community safe,” he said.

"I have a good working relationship with Prudhoe Mill and know that Essity has been working tirelessly to look after the health of their employees.

"Going the extra mile and extending that support to the people of the town is typical of their desire to be a good neighbour to the community in which it operates.”

Essity, which makes toilet paper for leading brands across Europe, has already gone to great lengths to help out the community during the pandemic.

In April 60,000 toilet rolls were donated by the company to Northumberland County Council's shielding hub.