A Frome pensioner has paid tribute to the local community for stepping up to show 'kindness and support' during the coronavirus crisis.

Eighty-one-year-old Mike Hillman has penned a poem on behalf of himself and his wife Leena - both currently self-isolating - thanking staff at Boots, volunteers at Frome Community Drivers and the community as a whole.

Mike told Frome Nub News: "I rarely write poetry, but it seemed a good way to express my thoughts on this occasion.

"Every cloud has a silver lining and the coronavirus is bringing out the best in people as well as causing so much trouble.

"I am so impressed by the way people are reacting in Frome during the crisis.

"They are showing so much kindness and support.

"Hopefully society as a whole will be better and kinder when this is all over."

In line with Government guidelines, Mike and 82-year-old Leena are self-isolating, with grocery shopping dropped off by their son who lives locally.

advertisement

They were put in touch with Frome Community Drivers when they both had prescriptions that needed collecting.

"I'd normally walk the mile to Boots but, being a diabetic, I need to be careful at the moment so I rang instead to see if there was a way to arrange a delivery.

"They gave me Frome Community Drivers' number and it was sorted very quickly.

"We are so lucky to have such a wonderful service to turn to," added Mike.

Frome Community Drivers is a community interest company affiliated to Frome Town Council.

Coordinator Morag Stuart said: "Mike's poem and other small gifts, such as home-grown flowers, are so wonderful and make our volunteers feel appreciated.

"Our volunteers are amazing - taking patients to essential hospital appointments and making prescription drop-offs during this difficult time.

"Many of the 15 drivers we had before the coronavirus lockdown are now having to self-isolate as they are over the age of 70.

"We've been very fortunate that more than 40 extra volunteers have come forward to help."

Frome Community Drivers can be contacted by telephone on 07596 591391 or by email at [email protected]