A community group has been delivering Easter treats to cheer up residents during self-isolation.

Members of the Bearsted Covid-19 Help Team, near Maidstone, have been working tirelessly to make sure vulnerable neighbours get all their essentials during the lockdown. But this weekend, chocolate is pretty essential too.

So, Jessica Howells, Duncan Edwards and several others set out to deliver goodies to those who are alone or isolated due to the pandemic.

The sweet treats were donated by Notcutts in Maidstone, Tesco Express in Bearsted and generous volunteers.

If you live in the village, you may have spotted Duncan cycling along with his trailer in tow, filled to the brim with chocolate-y delights. Although normally, it's a favoured ride of his Border Collie, Benji.

More than 200 yummy gifts have been delivered, including 86 made yesterday by Duncan with the help of his friends Warren Martins and Gary Fitch, with Jessica out today making the final drop offs.

Ellen Ridley in Madginford put together another 100 bags of food, toiletries and treats, decorated by children from Madginford Primary School. Ellen says she is also preparing the gifts in memory of her daughter, Jamie-Leigh, who passed away just before Christmas.

Hillbeck assisted living and Barty House Nursing Home were paid a visit too, as well as Paydens chemists, to thank staff.

Being as careful as possible to avoid spreading the virus, the eggs were not touched for three days before being decontaminated and packed using masks, gloves and anti-bacterial gel.

Jessica said: "We had to mask and glove up to pack everything in the most sterile way possible. It was only for a few hours but it was horrible, hot and hard to breathe. I have no idea how medics are doing 12-hour shifts dressed in full PPE. It has really made me appreciate how difficult and physically challenging it must be on frontline NHS."

When making deliveries, the volunteers put the treats by the front door, knocked and then stood well back so they could make sure people got their gifts.

Duncan said: "Some people became really emotional because they're having a hard time and are really happy there are being thought of. And it's also just nice to have a bit of chocolate!"

Jessica added: "Thank you everyone for your support - true community spirit and a lot of lovely, caring people in our village."

Bearsted Covid-19 Help Team, working in partnership with Bearsted Parish Council, is now also in contact with Maidstone Borough Council to make sure they are an official reference if someone in need from the village contacts the council for help.

Duncan also urges people to, when you can, check up on neighbours and offer help where possible.

He said: "Because people are isolated within their homes , they so often also become very isolated from their community. Therefore, it's more important than normal to make sure we are looking out for one another."

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