MALVERN Hills residents are being encouraged to make their own face coverings to donate to community volunteers who are helping to support vulnerable people during the coronavirus outbreak.

Malvern Hills District Council is asking people to sew up to 300 face coverings which will be donated to Here2Help volunteers - a campaign led by Worcestershire County Council.

The volunteers have been helping to deliver much needed supplies and medication to those who are self-isolating across the county, as well as help with child care, pet needs, transport and more.

The council is also asking people to donate any fabric, buttons and threads that can be used to make scrubs.

To get involved, people are being asked to use the tutorial posted on the Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) YouTube channel and to email the council for more information on how to donate the face coverings.

The Government has advised people should consider wearing a face covering in an enclosed space where social distancing isn’t possible and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

Evidence suggests that wearing a face covering does not protect the wearer from getting the virus. However, if someone is infected but does not have any symptoms, it may provide some protection for others they come into close contact with.

Cllr Sarah Rouse, leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "Our selfless volunteers have gone above and beyond to help others during these unprecedented times.

"We are asking those who can, to make and donate face coverings which will be given to volunteers when carrying out much-needed duties."

To get involved, visit the Malvern Hills District Council YouTube channel and follow the instructions ‘Here to Help Volunteers Mask’ tutorial video.

Email communityservices@malvernhills.gov.uk for more information on how to donate the face coverings.

Please visit www.gov.uk for more information on how to wear a face covering correctly.