PEOPLE living in a Hampshire town have been praised for their response to the Covid crisis.

The mayor of Fordingbridge, Cllr Paul Anstey, and the local county councillor, Edward Heron, spoke of the work being done by voluntary groups locally during a virtual meeting of the town council.

Cllr Anstey said: “The community spirit and the groups that have been set up over these times is a true reflection of the people we have in Fordingbridge. It is absolutely amazing.”

Various community groups have been set up to help residents across the district, including Fordingbridge In Need, which have been delivering food and prescriptions and providing online social activities during the lockdown.

Cllr Heron added: “First of all my thanks to all the community groups that have sprung up to help residents at this very difficult time.

"I’m thinking particularly here the Fordingbridge in Need group. They have done a fantastic job of helping those who haven’t been able to rely on family and neighbours.”

Praise for the local community was echoed by district councillor Ann Bellows.

She also said the district council’s shielding hub had received 709 referrals, which was the highest in Hampshire.