AN army of helpers have united to support the most vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

Colchester borough and county councillor Dave Harris has been using his varied contact list to co-ordinate a team of 40 or so volunteers based around Berechurch.

These kind-hearted residents have been working to get food, shopping and essential medication to those who are in need during the lockdown.

The Labour councillor said: “I have a list of vulnerable people and we send someone round with gloves and a mask on.

“I give them a code to give to the person when they contact them so they know they are calling from us.

“We ask residents to leave a shopping list outside the house.

“When they bring the shopping back they knock on the door and leave it outside and wait until the person answers.”

Volunteers are being urged to follow social distancing guidelines at all times and use protective equipment where possible.

Mr Harris said: “We want to be sticking to the rules if possible as that is the only way we will get through this.”

Mr Harris has also arranged for collection points to be set up for Colchester Foodbank outside residents’ homes

“The foodbank have been good to us and we wanted to give something back,” he said.

“So we have got people to put boxes in their gardens.

“People can put items in these and the foodbank will come to collect these when it is safe to do so.”

Mr Harris said the difficult times brought about by the virus outbreak was bringing out the best in people.

He added: “It makes me very proud of the area and the people who have rallied around to help.”

The foodbank collection points are in Sydney Street, Prince Philip Road, Berechurch Road and King George Road.

If you would like to volunteer, email Mr Harris on councillor.dave.harris@hotmail.co.uk.