A HOUSING developer has donated vital resources to Bradford Royal Infirmary (BRI) with the firm's managing director hearing firsthand about the coronavirus crisis from his neighbour on the frontline.

Linden Homes, now part of the Vistry Group which was formed in January this year, handed over protective face masks and more than 1,000 packs of antibacterial wipes to the intensive care unit (ICU) at BRI.

The spare personal protective equipment (PPE) was collected from the company's developments across East and West Yorkshire, which are currently closed.

Further donations were also made by sub-contractors.

Managing Director of Vistry Yorkshire, Scott Stothard, said: "A neighbour of mine works in the ICU department at Bradford Royal Infirmary, which brings this crisis and the lack of PPE facing frontline NHS staff closer to home.

"We have donated a number of spare masks and packs of antibacterial wipes for use by the doctors and nurses doing an absolutely outstanding job."

NHS Staff at BRI, and others in the community, continue to be supported by Bradford restaurants and takeaways too.

The International, based in Morley Street, is cooking between 400 to 500 meals today, ready to be handed out to a number of parties.

Owner, Zahir Khan, says each package will be filled half with vegetable biryani and half with chicken masala.

There will also be a separate dish of raita for the biryani, as part of each meal.

They are to be delivered to NHS staff at BRI and police officers, between 5pm and 6pm.

Mr Khan has been helped by Councillor Zafir Iqbal (Lab, Bradford Moor) and the pair have also brought together a list of care homes and vulnerable people and places that they can deliver the meals to as well.

The International has been on the scene for around 40 years and Mr Khan says keeping community spirit strong at this time is key.

He added: "It's very important, we've been there a long time.

"The reason why I said I'd do this is obviously to help - especially frontline NHS staff and police and people working hard, as well as normal everyday citizens who are doing their bit."

Mr Khan's secondary purpose is to get the message out there and stimulate more people to take part.

He said: "It encourages other people to do something like that.

"Everybody works together and if the community sticks together and helps in anyway - you don't have to have a restaurant, you can make donations.

"When you see something like this it triggers something in you - others are doing it, so we're doing it.

"Any little thing helps."