York volunteers have given more than 23,000 hours of their own time to help others during the coronavirus pandemic.

By the start of June, the city council's community hubs had provided nearly 900 food parcels and made 6,000 phone calls to vulnerable people and those shielding.

The council's executive member for communities, Cllr Darryl Smalley, said: “Volunteers have always played a key role in York’s communities, helping to nurture and support younger or more vulnerable residents.

"I'm continually amazed and humbled by the sheer scale of the volunteering response to the cCoronavirus pandemic, whether that’s people coming forward as official volunteers, or simply those helping their friends and neighbours. I’d like to thank everyone for their tremendous efforts.

“The work of staff and volunteers in the community hubs have been a lifeline to many of our most vulnerable residents, but this is only part of the picture. Across the city, we see people helping people; volunteers working with paid staff and York’s extensive existing voluntary and community sector, to support those most in need."

“As we move forwards, we want to harness the commitment and drive of our volunteers and communities, to make sure we can build stronger, more resilient communities across York for the future.”

He was speaking as national volunteering week ended today.

Anyone on their own and struggling to cope can contact the council by email: covid19help@york.gov.uk, or by telephone: 01904 551550.