How are people helping each other during the outbreak?

Coronavirus is grinding the country to a halt with school and business closures and health workers stretched. Tales of shop shelves being emptied by panic buyers and government social distancing advice being ignored have brought criticism, but the outbreak is also bringing the best out in some people.

With vulnerable neighbours and relatives being told to self-isolate, many communities are rallying around.

Organiser Jules Bradburn said 60 people came forward to volunteer within hours of launching.

The Jolly Roger ended up with 150 loo rolls which it said it would distribute.

Many of his customers are over 70 so he has been giving them whatever they need, from toilet roll to light bulbs.

“It’s about making sure people are OK,” he said.

Owner Christopher Keeble said he hoped it would give older shoppers “a little bit of peace of mind”.

The print-at-home template has been used across the country, with those in need able to request shopping, urgent supplies or “a friendly phone call”.

With many care homes suspending visits, residents have taken it upon themselves to let their families know they are coping.

Some people have started being pen pals, including 17-year-old Gracie Stewart from Norwich who has 26 of them.

“It preoccupies you writing letters because it can be dull when you’re stuck indoors all day,” she said.

Others have failed to let a global travel cancellations stop them, such as Robert Ormsby who saw a trip to Iceland collapse.

People have also been keen to support bars, cafes and restaurants during the outbreak.

A number of voucher schemes have been launched to encourage people to pay now for meals they can have when the crisis is over.