Businesses with spare personal protective equipment are being asked to donate it to health and care workers during the coronavirus crisis.

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership's business and economic response and recovery group has made the appeal as the virus continues to spread in the UK.

Jo Lappin, who is the group's chair and Cumbria LEP’s chief executive, said: “In these unprecedented times, it is vital that we pull together as a community to support our health and care services.

“We are aware that many Cumbrian businesses will have PPE that is not currently being used and we have already had several offers of support from those who have surplus stock that they are willing to donate.

“This equipment provides a first line of defence for workers against the virus, keeping them safe and allowing them to continue in their vital roles in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and treating those that are affected.

“We welcome donations of any personal protective equipment but would particularly welcome moisture repellent face masks, which are desperately needed.

“If you have stock which is not being used, we would encourage you to please donate this, in order to help in the battle against COVID-19. Your donation really can help to protect our most vulnerable citizens and our most precious assets – our health and social care workers.”

Collection is available if needed. Businesses who can help can fill in a form by following this link: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/V9L9DT2