INVERCLYDE'S NHS heroes today thanked the local community for its outpouring of support during the coronavirus crisis.

In a heartfelt message through the Tele, the COVID-19 team's senior charge nurse at Inverclyde Royal says they have been 'overwhelmed' by the response.

Since the outbreak took hold local people, businesses and organisations have all pulled together in an incredible way.

They have raised thousands of pounds, donated food for patients and staff, answered calls for PPE equipment, handed in vital supplies and joined in with the clap for carers weekly rounds of applause.

Claire Ferrier, the senior charge nurse at the COVID-19 unit, said: "We have no words for the support we have had.

"To be honest no words could ever do it justice, how we feel right now.

"We always knew we had such overwhelming support in the community but the people of Inverclyde have really surpassed themselves.

"I live in Greenock and my own mum was here in hospital with COVID-19, so I know what people are going through.

"It is so humbling.

"You have no idea how much it helps our patients and us as well to have the support of the public in this way.

"It helps us all keep going and we just want to thank everyone out there.

"We want people to know that all the donations and fundraising helps, it really does.

"It makes a big difference."

The COVID-19 unit at Inverclyde Royal has been on the frontline of the battle since the first cases were diagnosed in the district.

Last week the team came together to applaud as they sent Isabella Thompson home, the first patient to be discharged having been on a ventilator.

Greenock nurse Claire, 50, said: "It has been very hard and the first few weeks were really challenging for us all but we are getting there.

"Our team has really stepped up, each and everyone of them are incredible.

"I couldn't be more proud of them."