SILSDEN'S emergency planning team has distributed more than 1,500 free face masks to care homes in the town.

The items were delivered to staff at Summerfield, the Raikes, the Gables and Springbank.

Silsden Emergency Planning Group had successfully applied for funding for the project from the Harry Beverley Tillotson Trust.

A spokesman for the group, which is running a helpline and 'Chatterbox' service during the current crisis, said: "We were delighted to assist in supplying face masks to help protect residents and staff in Silsden’s residential care and nursing homes.

"We have a great team of volunteers in Silsden all working hard to help and support local residents during this ongoing crisis. If you or someone you know needs some assistance, please do call our helpline on 01535 400150."

The helpline is available seven days a week to residents across Silsden, Steeton and Eastburn.

Volunteers in their own homes take the calls and someone is then dispatched to help.

The team has so far handled more than 300 calls and helped with a range of tasks, from shopping and collecting prescriptions and pensions to posting parcels and even pegging out washing!

The Chatterbox service enables lonely and isolated residents to receive regular calls.

For further information about the services, visit silsden.info.