A STANFORD-le-Hope woman who runs a company looking after elderly and vulnerable people has spoken of her pride in her team of workers.

Lin Swords, who has spent a 30 year career working in the care industry, says runs 'Extracaring' and is contracted locally to look after a number of people.

In 'normal times' the contact Lin and her team with local residents is very special. At these difficult times it is extraordinary.

With the lockdown in place the team from Extracaring are the only people that many of the residents, who they have come to know as friends, see.

Lin, who was prudent enough to build up a good stock of Personal Protection Equipment so her team can go out and do their jobs as safely as is possible, says: "I just can't tell you of how proud I am of the team who put themselves in harm's way, because no protection can be 100 per cent, to go about looking after our clients.

"There aren't really enough words of appreciation to the lovely girls who work alongside of me caring for the elderly in our community

"I also know how much the relatives all appreciate them as well.

"They are all extremely caring going the extra mile as they always do and especially more so in these very strange times.

"As most of the relatives are unable to get to see their loved ones it's up to us to fill that massive gap as best we can.

"Going shopping, doing house work - we are all doing that and try to keep their spirits up by reassuring them that they will see their family again soon.

"And going the other way, we can reassure the families that they are all safe by giving updates daily.

Sometimes just blowing a kiss helps

"We are a very tactile bunch so are finding it extremely hard that we can't give a big cuddle when they are needing it most.

"But sometimes just blowing a kiss helps.

"We have also a lovely member of our community who is making up goody bags for them all which cheers them up.

"I myself feel very proud of the help we are able to give and feel lucky to have a great team around me."

Looking after others is proving something of a consolation for Lin – whose own family are working away at the moment.

Husband Tim and son Joe, 18, are both employed in the construction of the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in Somerset. Joe is in the second year of an electrical engineering apprenticeship on the project.

Joe, who is 19 in June, started his apprenticeship in August 2018 when was only just 17. Tim went to support him through it as he had never been away from home and at that time couldn't drive,

Lin added: "Balfour Beatty whom he works for are very proud of such a young apprentice starting on such a big construction project and of course we are very proud of him as well.

"We felt that in the current circumstances it was too much for them to be going backwards and forwards. The project is designated as a key one and work needs to go on there so that's where they are.

"You wouldn't believe how much I miss them but this is the safest thing to do.

"And of course I've got my girls and our wonderful residents here in Stanford."