The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, launched by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), is offering fast-tracked funding for all local charities, and has already helped out the Frome foodbank.

Grants up to £10,000 are available, and SCF pledges to award funding within three working days.

In total there has been £136,000 already given out to 60 local good causes across the county, including those supporting food projects, older people and mental health.

Justin Sargent, Chief Executive at SCF explains: "We've already made a large number of grants to groups we know, or have funded previously, to help those responding directly to the needs of their communities. We know many new groups are being created to respond to urgent needs, and others we may not have funded before will be doing vital work to keep people safe and well. We want to encourage those groups to apply to us so we can get funding where it's needed most. "

Any groups wishing to apply should complete a short, simple application form for grants up to £10,000: here: the SCF website.

The funding has been made available thanks to generous contributions by local individuals, charitable trusts and businesses, as well as funding from the national appeal, run by The National Emergencies Trust (NET).

The Somerset Coronavirus Appeal, which was first launched on Thursday 19 March, now stands at £385,000.

Fair Frome received an urgent grant from SCF to help them respond to unprecedented demand for their foodbank as a result of coronavirus.

Bob Ashford, the charity's Chair, said: "We're using the funding to put in place new initiatives. Our immediate issue is that we are facing a three-fold increase in demand for food, and it's become very hard to source the key items we need as many of our volunteers are older people and are self-isolating. We're starting to buy the food we can't source through donations, and we'll be issuing additional food vouchers that people can use at the local fruit and veg shop.

"At this very difficult time, this funding from Somerset Community Foundation is an absolute lifeline. Without our service and this grant there are people who would go hungry."

Anyone who feels able, including local businesses can donate to the Somerset Coronavirus Appeal by visiting here: the SCF website