"ON one hand you've got people queuing two-to-three hours for a McDonald's and I've got individuals that can't afford tea bags."

Robert Kirkwood, who has a hardship fund at his Premier Stores shop in Mossgreen, said a growing number of customers are struggling to cope during the coronavirus pandemic.

With community support he's able to help but said: "I don't think people realise just how hard it's affecting the country.

"It's getting harder and harder for those on furlough who don't know if they've got a job to go back to and there are those who have been told their business won't open again.

"It can affect anyone and individuals I've spoken to are suffering big time.

"I've got people that have been told they don't even qualify for universal credit, one customer came in and said he'd been refused it.

"It's heart-rending but this is a community that pulls together to help people out."

The people of Crossgates are providing a lifeline by donating to the hardship fund, which helps those who may need a hand in buying essentials, as well as the foodbank at the Divito's ice cream shop on Main Street, while the Munch Box is offering free deliveries.

Robert continued: "I'm of that age I remember the miners strikes. My father and grandparents were on strike in the 70s and 80s so I know what it's like to have no money and to face hardship.

"We're in a different situation but at this stage of my life I can give something back.

"I've been here nearly five years so I know the customers and their shopping patterns.

"Some are cutting back on certain lines, things you know they need.

"It's tea and coffee, bread and milk, the basics, but they're finding it hard to afford.

"It's all done on the quiet but we'll help them out and tell them it's been paid for by the good folk of Crossgates and Mossgreen."

The fund started at the beginning of lockdown when a local resident gave £40 to Robert to help those who couldn't afford what they needed from his store.

Word spread and it escalated.

He explained: "There's a few hundred quid in it and it gets added to on a daily basis.

"Most people want to stay anonymous, they'll put cash in the jar and even this morning, before 10am we had £60 handed in.

"The support has just been fantastic."

The shop has also handed out free face masks and more than 200 loaves of bread over the weekend, while jotters, pencils and books donated by Crossgates Primary School can be picked up for free at his shop and from Divito's.

Ionela Botea, shop manager at Divito's, said: "People have donated food and toiletries and we had two big deliveries from Morrison's too.

"The foodbank boxes are inside the shop and it's for anyone that needs it. We ask them to help themselves.

"I live above the shop and I do like to help and to be involved.

"I'm so happy here, it's a really nice community, friendly and everyone helps each other."