SHOPS and businesses across Ryedale have been force to diversify their services following the coronavirus.

Many are opting for delivery and take-away services to help customers who have been told to stay at home.

Samantha Gill owner of Terrington Stored, which is supplying home made meals and supplies around the area, said: “We are able to keep the shop open as we are providing essential goods, a home delivery service and providing for the vulnerable. Over these last few days the phone has been very busy and those wanting deliveries please don’t be put off by this keep trying and we will endeavour to meet all needs at out earliest convenience.”

In Malton a website had been set up with businesses offering home delivery.

James Mcmillan, from McMillans of Malton, said: “During challenging times for local businesses in Malton and Norton, Malton Delivers is a community initiative to promote local businesses who offer a delivery service of their own. This quick look directory is a way of helping local people find businesses that deliver direct to your door.”

Tom Naylor Leyland, director of Visit Malton, said: “These are worrying and uncertain times and my thoughts are with all those who are elderly and those who are worried or fearful. I’m sure at this difficult time it’s better than ever to keep communicating.

“We at Visit Malton are keeping in touch with the food business that have swiftly and brilliantly changed to home delivery and I’m sure there’s more to come too. We are also adapting the format of our weekly traditional Saturday Market and the Monthly Food Market on April 11 so that they too can continue to keep the essential supplies going. Malton is doing so much as it races to keep everyone supplied and well fed.”

For more information on Malton Delivers go to www.maltondelivers.co.uk Contact Terrington Stores on 01653 648 848. A further list of some of the Ryedale businesses offering deliveries and takeaways is on pages 50 to 52.