THE team behind a community centre in Upper Gornal have worked above and beyond to help isolated and elderly people during the coronavirus lockdown.

Black Country Wellbeing Centre, based on Vale Street, has become a vital part of the community response to the lockdown by reaching out to people isolated at home.

The team, led by centre founder Wade Cooper, are delivering food three times a week to elderly residents, which is a lifeline to those who cannot leave their house.

They are also hoping to spread some cheer on VE Day this Friday by delivering 1940s themed boxes so people can celebrate at home.

The important work comes as the team recently raised more than £1,200 through their Just Giving page to fund their vital deliveries.

Collectively, supporters walked the equivalent distance from the centre to 10 Downing Street, a total of 134 miles, to raise the funds.

Wade said: “It’s been fantastic to see the whole community come together during this crisis and we wanted to do our bit to help elderly and vulnerable local residents who we know simply can’t leave their homes at the moment.

“We’ve been delivering meals to them for the past few weeks and the money that we have now raised through the Just Giving page will make a massive difference in ensuring we can continue to deliver meals to residents."

Wade hopes to be able to host social distancing activities for elderly and vulnerable residents at the centre once the lockdown measures are relaxed.

He added: "It’s been heartbreaking to see local residents stuck in their homes day in day out, some too scared to even leave their homes for daily exercise because of this virus, so we’re looking to use some of the funding to also put on some social distancing activities too as the lockdown eases."

Their work is being backed by councillor Keiran Casey, who represents Upper Gornal and Woodsetton, who has been helping with food deliveries.

He said: "It’s been fantastic to see the work that Wade, Adam and the whole team are doing at the centre, which really is providing a life line to so many local residents during this very difficult time.

“Since the centre opened it’s made a massive difference in the local community and something that we are very lucky to have in our local area, that’s why myself and my colleague Adam have always supported the centre from day one and are supporting the work they're doing now during this crisis."

"I'd urge anyone that needs help during this difficult time or anyone that isn't able to leave the house at the moment for essential items to get in touch with us so we can see how to help."