Staff at Bradford’s new coronavirus food distribution hub have been thanked for their hard work.

Council Leader Susan Hinchcliffe visited Bradford's new food distribution hub which was set up to help vulnerable people across the district during the coronavirus pandemic

While keeping to the social distancing rules of being 2m apart from others, she thanked staff and partners who have worked tirelessly over the last two weeks to set up the hub.

Based in The Broadway shopping centre’s warehouse, the hub has delivered over 1,000 parcels to the doorsteps of Bradford's most vulnerable people.

It started with those on the NHS Shielded Patients List, but has now expanded to cover other vulnerable people.

The hub is working closely with Bradford’s existing foodbanks to extend the offer of doorstep delivery of food parcels for vulnerable people who are also unable to leave the house due to illness or self isolation.

Bradford Council’s school transport service staff have been delivering the parcels using the council’s fleet of minibuses that are usually used to take some children to school. They can now bee seen all over the district bringing food and help to those who need it the most.

Bradford Council leader Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, said: “The hub is a real #TeamBradford effort and has been made possible by the generosity of The Broadway and other Bradford businesses who have donated space, fridges and food to help us to support Bradford's most vulnerable people.

“To turn this facility round in such a short space of time and to support so many people is a real achievement and shows Bradford at our very best.

"I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has been involved in this, including community groups from across the district, Incommunities who have supported with staff and resources, as well as our own hard working Bradford Council staff.

“Staff from our leisure centres have packed the parcels, our Passenger Transport Service team have delivered them, the Markets Service have worked with their suppliers and our IT workers who have set up the office, have come together to make this happen

“I also want to recognise the army of community based volunteers who have stepped in to support their friends and neighbours. Right across the district schemes are being set up and help is being offered in communities.”

For people who are unable to leave the house and can’t get support from family and friends, community schemes or home delivery of shopping, the contact centre will be able to make a referral to the new shopping service where council staff and volunteers can shop for essentials and deliver to your door.

Anyone who needs help either with a food parcel or shopping can contact Bradford Council’s contact centre on 01274 431000.

Council staff will then talk people through the options that are available.

For more information from the Council about coronavirus in Bradford, visit www.bradford.gov.uk/coronavirus where people can also sign up to receive email alerts.

Meanwhile, the Telegraph & Argus is running a daily live blog containing the latest local updates and vital information about the crisis.