A football team based in Ventnor has raised more than £700 on Go Fund Me, in less than 24 hours, after six volunteers were handed fines over a Covid-19 lockdown regulation breach.

According to posts on social media, the group had argued the work was voluntary, which is sometimes allowed while the government's 'stay at home' order is in place.

They were reported by a dog walker while painting the site, the Facebook post said.

The group was told their work was not essential, and that they would each receive £100 fines.

Under the government's current rules, in England, voluntary or charitable services may continue to be provided in some circumstances.

While you should volunteer from home if you can, leaving home to provide voluntary or charitable services is allowed under certain conditions.

George Creighton, who helps run Ventnor Football Club, set up a Go Fund Me page, which has already topped £700.

Reacting to the return of lockdown conditions, in a statement in January, Hampshire Constabulary's Assistant Chief Constable Maggie Blyth said: “We will continue to follow the tried and tested approach of engaging, explaining and encouraging people to comply with the restrictions.

"However I have emphasised to our teams that robust enforcement action should be taken as required, where blatant breaches in public places or private premises are reported to us."