NEW Earswick All Blacks ARLFC have supported a local care home amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The amateur rugby league club have donated various gifts to the New Lodge care home in New Earswick, which is currently closed to all visitors.

New Earswick wanted to help people in the local community at this tough time, and reached out to their local residency for the over 55s, to see if they could bring something to the residents to help them through this current situation, which can be a very lonely time for some people.

The club have donated jigsaws, puzzle books, paint by number kits and other activities.

Newly-appointed New Earswick All Blacks chairman Jack Stearman said: “We have been looking at a way to reach out to the local community and after a couple of conversations felt that mental health and keeping people occupied throughout this lonely time was important.

“We know how much we are missing playing rugby and seeing people around the club and know the importance of such activities, particularly for the state of mind, so thought we could help local residents.”

Lucy Atkinson, care services manager at the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust, said: “I would like to say a huge thank you to the New Earswick All Blacks rugby team for the wonderful gifts they have given us.

“Gestures such as this in these uncertain times are greatly appreciated and really brighten up the day for our residents and staff.

“It is fantastic to see the community coming together to support the most vulnerable in our society.

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside the team in future.”

For more information on how New Earswick All Blacks can support other organisations, contact them on: news@neab.co.uk.