A GROUP of volunteers is turning leftover fabric into laundry bags for NHS workers to store their uniforms in during the coronavirus crisis.

Burnham-on-Sea mum Mandy Williams launched an appeal this week for help to make the laundry bags and said she has been 'overwhelmed' by the response with scores of people offering their time to help.

The laundry bags can be used by NHS staff to put their uniform in straight after work and then can be put in the washing machine to avoid possibly contaminating anything at home.

After seeing a huge response to her appeal Mandy set up a group on Facebook called 'Southwest Uniform Bags for NHS & Carers' and in a matter of days volunteers sprung into action and have been making and delivering laundry bags to NHS workers in towns across Somerset including Bridgwater, Burnham-on-Sea, Taunton and Weston.

Mandy, who works in administration at a school, said she was inspired to start the project after she was sent a link to a group which was making the bags in the West Midlands by a family member.

"I have been overwhelmed by the response I have had from people in the last few days," Mandy said.

"People have been absolutely amazing. We have had hospitals asking for bags, ambulance staff and care workers so we are trying our best to help them out.

"It has been amazing to watch the group so much in a matter of days. Helping people who are on the frontline fighting this virus is the least we can do.

"I decided initially to just send bags to Burnham and Weston but people have been so positive and have been taking them down to their local hospitals and GP surgeries themselves.

"We have taken some down to Highbridge Medical Centre and community nurses in Burnham and already people have taken them to Bridgwater, Taunton, Nailsea and Weston."

Mandy said residents in Nailsea and Barnstaple will also be starting Facebook groups in the future and they will be connecting together to help as many people as possible.

"It is so lovely to see that communities have been pulling together at this difficult and uncertain time," Mandy said.

"You can make the bags out of anything, old sheets, duvets and even old t-shirts but we do ask that the bags are made of cotton, have a drawstring around the top and are washed at 60 degrees before they are given away. This way all bacteria are killed off.

"If you are having any issues with getting the bags to NHS workers or any questions then please get in touch with me on the Facebook page. I am more than happy to help."

To get in touch with Mandy search for Southwest Uniform Bags for NHS & Carers on Facebook.