Leighton-Linslade Helpers launched to run errands and provide goods for people self-isolating during Coronavirus crisis

Holly Woollard, 33, only launched the Facebook group at 7.30am this morning, but its membership has already grown to 124, with the community rallying round to support the initiative.

Her idea will see representatives from each area, for example the Planets Estate or Bideford Green, help with favours or deliver items for people in their patch who are taking precautionary measures due to the pandemic.

Residents can join the group if they wish to volunteer their time to run errands, or if they are self-isolating and need help.

Holly said: "I must say I have been in tears a couple of times this morning because of the number of people who have offered their support in any way they can.

"It's really humbling.

"The idea is that the group will run itself with a chain of command, so you know who to go to for problems: if someone can't get hold of their family member, if they need sanitary products, if a bill needs paying, or a letter needs posting.

"It's all these little things that people stuck indoors will be stressing over."

Holly is appealing for equipment to help protect the Leighton-Linslade Helpers volunteers, and is looking for anyone who may have gloves, masks and hand sanitiser that they could donate.

She added: "I would be prepared to pay out of my own pocket."

The kind volunteer told the LBO that she was disappointed that Prime Minister Boris Johnson did not impose tougher measures after yesterday's meeting of the government's emergency Cobra committee.

Holly claimed: "I get that there has to be herd immunity but at the end of the day there will be families whose loved ones die to build up the herd immunity.

"Although Boris Johnson is providing cash for some, what about people who are incapacitated and on benefits, or have mental health conditions. I was just expecting more than what was on offer.

"Something needs to be done to help people, especially those who are vulnerable - the number of people who might slip through the cracks.

"I don't want to see stories in the news or papers about an old lady who has died at home because she had the virus and no-one knew she needed help."

Holly is advising people to think carefully about socialising and travelling, and to avoid shaking hands or elbow bumping - "a foot tap is safer."

She would like to thank her brother, John, 27, for helping her set up the Facebook group and to everyone who has joined so far, including the Mayor of Leighton-Linslade, Cllr David Bowater.

She concluded: "This was just an idea, and if no-one came forward and agreed then it wouldn't have gone anywhere. I'm proud of our town and want to make sure that as many people as possible don't get left behind."

To join the group for help or to volunteer to run errands, visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/llhelpers/For medical advice about the Coronavirus, visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/