Northumbria Police hails the overwhelming community spirit across the North East as a former Paralympic champion helps his home town

Officers from Northumbria Police have praised the overwhelming spirit across the region as communities continue to look after each other during the lockdown.

The Primrose Community Association in Jarrow is one initiative that has captured the attention of police as volunteers have been offering a free delivery service.

Among the team is former British Paralympic swimming champion Josef Craig MBE, who still lives in the town that he was born and raised.

He, along with the army of volunteers now deliver food packages and shopping to who how need it.

The 23-year-old said: “It touches my heart to see the community pulling together. It’s a fantastic British trait, everyone mucking in and making sure we all get through these difficult and unprecedented times.

“The service is there for everyone in the community, it’s not just the elderly, it’s also for those who cannot leave their homes to go shopping due to medical advice or those in a 12-week lockdown.”

Neighbourhood officer PC Jason Sweeney works closely with the Primrose Community Association and admits the team have been “blown away” by the public’s response and togetherness.

He said: “I know just how vital the Primrose Community Association is within that area, and it’s wonderful to see a group of volunteers giving up their spare time in order to help those most in need.”You can contact the Primrose Community Association by calling 0191 424 9977.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

How to subscribe to the print edition

It’s easy to subscribe to your local newspaper. We have arranged a special 20 per cent off subscription offer for people to take advantage of. Visit www.localsubsplus.co.uk, choose the newspaper title, the type of subscription and enter your details.