A north-east village is supporting furloughed workers by providing the essentials they need for free.
The Covid-19 Community Support Shop has opened in New Pitsligo in an effort to help people who are self-employed, or who have been furloughed.
Run by volunteers, people can pop in and pick up seven food items, as well as toiletries, for free.
Julie-Ann Whyte, secretary of New Pitsligo Community Council, which set up a sub-group to lead the project, said: “We have a number of self employed people in the village that have no additional income so we have created this facility, where they have the option to come into the shop and pick up up to seven food items as well as toiletries for free.
“We started with a £50 donation to purchase items and since then, the community shop has received large amount of donations including food, wool and puzzles.
“In a way it has really brought the village together, there really has been an overwhelming sense of community spirit.”
Since its opening last month, the shop has received more than £1,500 which is intended to stay within the village.
Mrs Whyte added: “It’s really encouraging the way people have responded.”
The former chemist, on the High Street, is open every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am-noon and then 3pm-5pm.
