A STUDENT from Wrexham is trying to help take some of the strain off small businesses as they endure the impact of coronavirus.

Joshua Powell, from Rhostyllen, is currently attending Loughborough University.

He also runs his own creative agency, named Design97 - which offers copywriting, graphic design and branding services.

Mr Powell told the Leader he is to offer small, local businesses 10 hours of his services for free to help them through this difficult time.

The 23-year-old said: "I have a friend who is a hotel manager in Preston.

"I was talking to him one day and he asked if I could do some work for him as a friend - I said no problem, and that got me thinking.

"I have seen a lot of companies online offering all different kinds of help due to covid.

"As I'm a student myself I remember when I was starting up, I found it hard to get out there.

"I thought this is a way I can help those small businesses which are struggling a bit.

"I know if I was in that position when I started, I'd have grabbed an opportunity like that.

"With people struggling financially, charging doesn't feel morally right, so if I can help people at the moment it is a win-win for both of us.

"I can do copywriting, graphic design, brand development, social media posts - there is a list of services on my website."

Any small-scale local businesses which are interested in seeking Mr Powell's help can visit his website and sign up for the scheme at: https://design97.co.uk/helphubproject/