CUSTOMERS at Wellington butcher Tim Potter have been ‘paying it forward’ to help feed people in need during the coronavirus crisis.

They have been queueing up to buy ‘Potter’s Pounds’ gift vouchers and have given more than £1,000 to pay for meat and vegetable boxes for struggling families.

The scheme, also supported by local businesses, has now seen Wellington Town Council get on board backing it with a donation of £500.

Mayor of Wellington Janet Lloyd said: “I am delighted to support this scheme and it has proved to be an excellent project. We know these are tough times for many families in Wellington and Rockwell Green. The pandemic has left many families without employment and short of money.

“The scheme has raised over £1,000 so far and the council is delighted to bolster these efforts in donating a further £500 towards the scheme so further boxes can be delivered to families next week during half-term.”

Local schools were contacted last week to nominate families who would benefit from extra support and days later volunteers from the schools and Wellington Angels met at the shop in Fore Street to pick up 34 boxes to distribute locally.

The volunteers included Cllr Andrew Govier, Wellington School nurse Bridgette Sells, Webber’s C of E Primary School headmaster Deborah Eveleigh, Court Fields School attendance manager Sophie Heggadon, Beech Grove Primary School attendance officer Mandie Huggett and Mark Stephenson from Welly Angels.

Cllr Govier said families were pleased to receive the boxes and that he was humbled to see so many people coming together to support the initiative.

He said: “This scheme allows families on little or no income to receive high quality, nutritious food from a very well-respected local business. Local residents have already shown their willingness to support these families in the town through their generous donations and is another example of the excellent community spirit that we have here in Wellington and Rockwell Green.”

The food boxes are valued at £20 cost price and include a variety of meat – and vegetables given by Tim Potter’s suppliers.

Tim Potter said: “Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic we have seen an unprecedented number of customers requesting free home delivery due to being in isolation.

“We have decided to introduce this gifting scheme to help those in isolation who are struggling to make ends meet in this desperate situation. We have been overwhelmed with offers of support received so far and thank all of those who have donated vital supplies to those who need them most.”

The shop is appealing to those who can comfortably afford it to buy ‘Potters Pounds’ vouchers to be gifted to families facing food poverty in Wellington and Rockwell Green – call them on 07585 700030.