M&S at intu Lakeside in West Thurrock is following in the footsteps of other major food retailers and reserving 'special hours' for NHS and emergency workers and elderly and vulnerable customers.

Starting today (Friday, 20 March), the first hour of trading will be dedicated to 'older and more vulnerable customers'. After this the same slot will be reserved every Monday and Thursday at the major store in intu Lakeside.

The special shopping hour for NHS and emergency service workers will take place in the first hour each Tuesday and Friday morning, starting next week.

In addition, due to unprecedented demand on some lines and to ensure customers can get what they need, M&S is extending temporary purchasing restrictions to two items per customer for frozen foods, homecare, groceries and eggs.

M&S chief executive Steve Rowe said across the company staff from the home and clothing team will join food teams to help with increased demand.

Hygiene has also been stepped up in a bid to stop the spread of coronavirus.

"Colleagues across the stores and supply chain have been provided with additional hygiene products to use and extra cleaning is taking place to keep up our excellent standards for you and our teams.

"For over 135 years, M&S, our customers, and the communities we serve, have faced into challenges big and small, and come through them all by supporting each other and working together.

"Now, as ever, the entire M&S team - across our stores, our support centres, our warehouses and in our supply chain - is working tirelessly to deliver for our customers."

Mr Rowe also thanked customers for their 'loyalty and understanding'.

"It's the kindness and support that we give to each other that will help us get through these unprecedented times," he added.

M&S has also introduced a contact-free delivery service for all clothing, home, flowers, hampers and wine orders to allow for zero hand-to-hand contact - with the driver leaving the delivery at the customer's door.

And M&S Bank is set up to support those who are concerned about the impact on finances amid the outbreak. Currency refunds will be offered to those who can no longer travel as a result of flights being cancelled.