Kind-hearted residents have joined up to help support the vulnerable and elderly during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Colchester Anti Loo Roll brigade has been set up by DJ Peter Dutch.

The Facebook group set up by Mr Dutch, of Colchester, has seen more than 2,000 people sign up to help deliver food and supplies to those in need.

He said: “It all started after my parents were stuck in Lanzarote. They went out on Wednesday and then we were trying to get them home.

“At the same time my wife’s parents were saying they were going into lock down and we were asking how are people going to cope and about how hard it is going to be.

“There was then a video online of everybody fighting over loo rolls.

“I decided I was going to get a Facebook group together for people to show they care. They can reach out for help and there should be people able to offer that help.

“It is hard but if we all get together it should alleviate a lot of struggling for a lot of people.”

Mr Dutch said he chose the unusual name as it was one people would remember.

He added: “I started the group on a Sunday morning and now it has 2,300 people.

“It is a wonderful, positive thing and people are doing some really nice things.

“I have also started a ‘star of the week’ post to keep it light hearted. There was one woman who said she would help kids who rely on school meals. She is going to make food and take it round for them.

“One bloke has said he will mow lawns for people who are NHS workers.

“Another woman asked for custard to help her son and she was inundated with offers.

“There has been young mums asking for baby wipes and have been helped. I have been blown away.

“So many people have needed it already.

“It restores your faith in humanity. It gives people a platform to do things which are nice. These things bring out the best and worst in people. We want to show the best.”

To help, visit Facebook and search Colchester Anti Loo Roll brigade.