Volunteers are suffering "abuse" for delivering the wrong brand of food to people self-isolating during the coronavirus pandemic.

That is according to Sam Lambert, from Maple Cross, who says he has been "shouted at on a regular basis" for picking up a brand of food that those in self isolation do not want.

He claimed that during one incident last week an elderly person "threw a loaf of bread" at him after getting angry that it was not the right brand.

In another incident, Mr Lambert says that another volunteer had a tin of carrots thrown at them after delivering it to someone self isolating.

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Mr Lambert, who has been volunteering to pick up medication and food for vulnerable and elderly people for the last two weeks, says people "don't make it specific what they want" - and with stock in supermarket shelves low volunteers cannot get the exact brand that people want.

He said: "Stocks are limited and we are putting our lives at risk for helping you get your essential items to your door in this time of need.

"I come home after a long day volunteering and I'm shattered, but I just burst into tears knowing that some people appreciate what we are doing and others don't.

"I urge people that do use volunteers please do not abuse us."

Mr Lambert added that after being shouted at for delivering the wrong loaf of bread, it nearly made him stop volunteering.

He said that the country is in an "emergency crisis" and that volunteers can't help what is in shops and what is not.

He added that people who do get angry should be "more grateful" to volunteers who are not self isolating.

Mr Lambert continued: "Next time you use a volunteer please think of the person doing this for you we still have hearts and emotions.

"Volunteers are taking their time out of their day to help people we don't get paid for this.

"We are trying our best."

However, Mr Lambert says he has also had positive experiences volunteering during the coronavirus pandmeic, with there being people and families left "happy" after being delivered food and medication.

Online, an army of people have joined coronavirus Mutual Aid groups to deliver goods to those unable to leave home in their areas.

Within days of the first Facebook page launching in south London, a UK-wide network of organisations has now formed - some of which have thousands of members already.

Users of the groups have described them as a vital boost with NHS services likely to be stretched in the coming weeks.

Co-ordinator for the national Covid-19 Mutual Aid umbrella group Kelsey Mohamed, 28, said the response had been 'overwhelming'.

"It shows us what's possible when we prioritise simple compassion," she said. "People are self-organising with incredible efficiency, respect and creativity."