A father-of-two has set up a volunteer group to deliver food and medicine to people in self-isolation.

Chris Lewis, 49, from St Albans launched his mutual aid Facebook group earlier this month.

He said he had a lot of spare time and found an existing group in the district. But when he tried to get in touch, there was no response. So, he decided to set up his own group.

He began by inviting his friends into the group and it has since grown to 40 members.

His group aims to help deliver essentials to people who have to stay indoors due to the Covid-19 coronavirus.

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The Government announced yesterday evening (March 23) that people should only be allowed to leave their homes for essential shopping, medical reasons, to help a vulnerable person and to travel to and from work, if absolutely necessary.

Over the weekend, the Government also said that over-70s, pregnant women, those with pre-existing medical conditions and others at risk should self-isolate for 12-weeks.

Mr Lewis said: "So far there have been a few cries for help by people who need supplies delivered, and they're unable to go out because they're house bound."

He hopes his group will bring communities together as volunteers will be meeting new people.

He said: "I'm hoping this aid group will bring people together.

"Where I live, everybody knows everybody but that isn't the case for everyone, especially people who live on their own."

But with the Government's lockdown announcement last night, Mr Lewis thinks his group's activity might be limited in the future. He said he will have to "observe all the protocols" to see if he can carry on.

He added: "I believe there needs to be more community support.

"Why not find out who lives next door to you? You can do it while obeying protocol.

"Unfortunately, I do not have the resources if people do not have access to the internet, but if they know people who can use the internet for them, then we can help."

To join Mr Lewis' Facebook group, go to: www.facebook.com/groups/1140825422983005