A KIRKBYMOORSIDE company has made and donated more than 10,000 face masks to hospices, surgeries and care homes.

Marshall Advanced Composites produced the protective masks over three weeks, then delivered them to more than 20 care homes, hospices and medical practices around Pickering, Malton, Helmsley, York and Scarborough.

The medical facilities include St Leonard’s Hospice, in York, Holt Retirement Home, in Scarborough, Ryedale Special Families, in Malton, Hall Residential Home, in Pickering, and many more.

“Our company values include protecting people in critical situations,” said Carl Morse, general manager at Marshall Advanced Composites.

“What better embodiment of those values than to produce this vital protective equipment for those who are doing so much to help the local community.”

Marshall Advanced Composites specialises in military structures, including cockpit panels for the C-130 Hercules heavy airlifter aircraft, which are used by the RAF and other air forces globally.

It also produces propulsor ducts and rudders for the Astute class submarine for the UK Ministry of Defence.

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the Kirkbymoorside company has continued working throughout lockdown while implementing strict social distancing measures.

It bought in special foam and plastic to make the 10,000 face masks, which were assembled by a specialist team.

“We’d delighted to support our workforce and the local community where we have the capacity,” added Carl.

“We can never thank our carers enough for the selfless contributions they make every day during the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are happy to be able to help by providing these crucial masks.”