ON a day when the attention has quite rightly been on the heroes in the NHS and caring frontline, it would be remiss not to remember the many 'ordinary people' who are doing their bit to help in the coronavirus pandemic crisis.

It appears, despite some official protestations to the contrary, there remains a real shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), not just in hospitals, but particularly in care homes.

In Thurrock the challenge of raising funds and providing equipment is being met by a number of people and we have been grateful to do our bit by promoting a number of wonderful efforts. See story.

And today (Thursday, 23 April) another local hero has emerged.

Vittoria Churchman is the Head of Design Technology (DT) at Treetops School in Grays and she has been inspired by the shortage of equipment to act.

Alongside DT departments across the country Vittoria has been making protective visors to help provide an element of protection for healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses and care home professionals.

So far the 500 masks she has produced have been donated to three hospitals and eight local care homes.

The visors are made using using school equipment and locally sourced materials and the cost is being met by Funded by Treetops School and the locally-based charity Islas Journey.