Face coverings will be available free of charge to people in need across Watford thanks to money raised by the town’s coronavirus appeal.

The Watford Helps Covid Appeal was initially set up to support charities at the frontline of the response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Through the fund face coverings will be distributed across the town for those who cannot purchase or make their own.

Around 800 face coverings have been ordered based on the feedback from the charities.

These will be distributed by the Watford & Three Rivers Trust, which has played a pivotal role in the local response to the crisis, to the good causes that have asked for them and they in turn will allocate them via the food parcels they are providing.

Harrow Times:

Watford Mayor Peter Taylor said: “Making sure everyone in our town is as safe as possible from coronavirus, regardless of their incomes, is really important.

“As we continue to deal with this global pandemic and its effects locally, it is right that we are focusing on those most in need.

“There are so many unsung heroes helping with the local Covid response, including people working tirelessly to make sure that vulnerable people receive the right protective coverings and can still get out and about.

He added: “I cannot thank everyone who has donated to the Watford Helps Covid Appeal enough. Their generosity has made a real difference to the lives of local people in difficult situations. I am so proud of the way our town has come together to help one and another during these challenging times."

Those sentiments were echoed by Bob Jones, Watford & Three Rivers Trust chief executive. He said: “I'd also like to thank local residents and businesses who have made donations to the Watford Helps Covid Appeal, we simply couldn’t have done this without you.

“Most importantly the face coverings will make a huge difference to those vulnerable and low-income families.”

Donations to the appeal ensure that charities are able to continue their vital work during the pandemic and that they survive through the recovery phase and beyond.

100 per cent of all donations go directly to local good causes.

You can find out more via the appeal's website. Donations can also be made via SMS by texting 'WATFORD' to 70201 (£1), 70331 (£3), 70970 (£5) and 70191 (£10).