A CONCERNED resident has teamed up with an Ellesmere Port pub to help provide basic supplies for elderly and vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Clare Powell, from Great Sutton, is spearheading a drive for food donations and essential items to be dropped off at the town's Old Wirral Hundred pub so they can be distributed to those in need.

The 39-year-old is also looking for more volunteers to help deliver the supplies, which so far include tea bags, canned items, biscuits, toilet roll and cleaning products.

She told The Standard: "I came up with the idea after my gran, who is 89, went to get teabags and couldn't find any anywhere.

"I've been in shops and it's heartbreaking seeing elderly people when the shelves are all empty. My gran is at high risk due to her health and struggles to go out.

"I spoke to Dawn who runs the Old Wirral Hundred and she said maybe we could help by being a drop off point for donations. We've already had a few donations and hopefully we'll get some more.

"Hopefully through Facebook and word of mouth we'll know which people need help. I've got a few volunteers already who are willing to deliver but we need some more.

"Some are friends and some are people who I don't know but have contacted me on Facebook wanting to help. It just shows that there is still community spirit."

Dawn Cottrell, who runs the Old Wirral Hundred pub, added: "When Clare put on Facebook that her gran couldn't get tea bags I just thought that's really sad.

"I then got talking to Clare and said 'let's see if we can do something'. Even if it's a few people that we reach it makes a difference.

"At the moment we're looking at helping the elderly but who knows what we can do if it gets bigger. I'm going to get in touch with the local supermarkets and see if they can help with any donations.

"We've already had a few donations and people have been so kind. One lady brought in a multi-pack of toilet rolls and said 'do you know what, I don't need all these'.

"Obviously we don't know what the future holds at the moment and if we're going to have to close the pub, but whatever happens I can still co-ordinate donations – that won't be affected."

If you would like to help, contact Clare Powell via email at clarepowell@live.co.uk or call the pub on 0151 348 0259.