A CHARITY boss has paid tribute to the hardworking volunteers who have provided vital support to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Witham Community Hub has now dealt with more than 7,000 requests for help since it launched its Pay it Forward campaign in March.

The initiative was launched to provide deliveries and services for those self-isolating or considered vulnerable during the lockdown.

Bosses say part of their work has seen them save 11,000 meals going to waste and have instead been able to divert them to families and individuals in need of food donations.

The community hub is expected to continue running its support campaign for the entire length of the coronavirus crisis.

But having now worked tirelessly for the three months, volunteers have been showered with praise by Tina Townsend, a trustee who has been organising the operation.

Tina said: "I set up this group via the hub thinking we could maybe help a few people. I never dreamed we would be so needed nor thought it would grow to what it is

"I’m simply overwhelmed by the generosity of our town, the way that when we ask for help, people and businesses have been there.

"I can’t thank the volunteers enough, they’ve been amazing giving up their time to help and working like trojans to make the project work.

"You are all heroes."

Tina says she is also proud of the way Witham has pulled together and residents have rallied around to help one another during a 'horrendously difficult time'.

And despite the toil, she insists she is pleased to have helped those in need during the pandemic.

She added: "I’ve laughed, cried, been verbally abused, annoyed, frustrated and overwhelmed.

"This has been a huge emotional rollercoaster but I can honestly say it’s been one of the most proudest things I’ve ever achieved."