A north-east engineer is receiving requests for as many as 150 protective masks each day after deciding to spend his free time churning out the important equipment on a 3D printer.
Joe Skinner, from Peterhead, started a Facebook page to let people know he was keen to help keep key workers safe by putting his skills to use.
The 24-year-old has since been overwhelmed with requests and support.
Along with the help of his partner Nikki Mandok, and an eager squad of volunteers, he has now created something of a thriving production line.
On day one, the group received 100 requests for face shields, and the team is now making 150 a day.
Mr Skinner said: “Since my original post on a local social media page, we have had requests for hundreds of face shields.
“We also received a huge amount of support from the community looking for ways they can help.”
He set up a Go Fund Me page which reached the £250 fundraising target within hours.
The page was originally set up with the intention of purchasing one other 3D printer, however the “overwhelming number of donations” allowed him to purchase six printers and vital materials.
Mr Skinner volunteers his time seven days a week making the masks at the Barclay Park Community Pavilion, which he has been granted free use of by the Peterhead Area Community Trust, while his helpers do what they can from home.
The fundraising page has now received more than £5,700 and Mr Skinner said he is “grateful for all the support” he’s received from his employer JBS Fabrication, AM Campbell and Ams Global Group.
Before being dispatched to those who need them, each batch of masks is sterilised.
Mr Skinner said: “It takes 20 minutes to sterilise each batch and that way we’ve taken every precautionary measure to avoid spreading the virus.”
The face shields can also be distributed to key workers outwith the north-east and deliveries can be sent as far south as Glasgow.
