VENTNOR Town Council has launched a helpline service for residents who need help during the coronavirus pandemic.

The helpline will serve residents that need help with essential shopping, collecting prescriptions, dog walking, or need information or advice.

To use the service, call 853775 or 857848 between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, or email help@ventnortowncouncil.org.uk

The town council is asking residents to be conscientious and check on their neighbours, people they know and residents in the street, particularly if they are over 70 or have disabilities.

If you can volunteer in Ventnor to help during the crisis, contact Community Action Volunteer Centre on 01983 524058, or e-mail CommunityVolunteer@actioniw.org.uk

Cllr Jason Mack said: "Ventnor Town Council may have closed its office, but it is very much open for business.

"The town council is working with its partners in faith, business and community groups to support the vulnerable and isolated in our community.

"Ventnor has a tremendous community spirit and we are confident that our town will respond in a generous and good-hearted way to current events."