Businesses in Ashby are being thanked for donating food and essentials included in care packages distributed to vulnerable residents across the district during the coronavirus pandemic.

North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) is creating and delivering the parcels and the donations from local businesses have been crucial to the effort.

The vital deliveries are in addition to the incredible work being done by the support network of community groups across the district.

Among the local donations are a trolley full of canned goods, milk cartons and savoury foods from Tesco Extra in Ashby and 10 pallets of stock from KP Snacks.

Angela Reilly, HR business partner from KP Snacks, said: "Supporting our local communities is really important to us at KP Snacks, so we're happy to donate some of our products to community initiatives close to our Ashby site."

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of NWLDC, said: "We are here to support our communities including our most vulnerable and the shielded who may not have their own personal network of support required to get the essential items they need.

"These care packages provide those necessities, eliminating the need for them to go out and put themselves at risk.

"Thank you to all of the local businesses that have donated to the cause - our North West Leicestershire community is really pulling together during these challenging times.

"A huge thank you also to the many other community groups in the district doing outstanding in looking out for those in need at an even more local level."

Residents in need of support can visit NW Leics Community Support to find out more about help available.