A group of council leaders and the emergency services have thanked volunteers across Rutland and Leicestershire for their work in providing personal protective equipment (PPE) for essential workers who need them.

And the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Resilience Forum has issued a call for more kit for those working on the front line in the fight against coronavirus.

Companies, schools, colleges, universities, charities and community groups across Leicestershire and Rutland are working together to help with the supply and distribution of PPE.

Councollor Oliver Hemsley, leader of Rutland County Council, said "It has been wonderful to see businesses and communities in Rutland and Leicestershire joining forces and adapting to support our health and social care workers to get the essential equipment they need.

"We know that we all need to work together in these challenging times, and the response from our rural and urban communities has been a fantastic example of what teamwork can achieve."

Nick Ruston, leader of Leicestershire County Council, said : "The response across the county has been unprecedented and we thank each and every one of you for your support. This equipment helps key workers to support our most vulnerable people in their homes, in hospitals and in care homes. People across the county have joined together to provide a vital, practical and lifesaving response to this crisis."

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Resilience Forum

says there is always continual need for more PPE. So if you can help provide appropriate PPE - whether by donating your own stock, or by repurposing your manufacturing processes – please get in touch. Help is also needed with delivery and distribution of PPE items.

You can deliver all PPE donations to any fire station in the city, county or Rutland, for details of where they are visit their website www.leics-fire.gov.uk Always adhere to government social distancing guidelines when travelling.