A WELFARE charity has stepped in to fund vital food parcels and support frontline staff during the coronavirus outbreak.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde was forced to postpone its annual holidays for hundreds of children during the Easter break.

Now the charity's founder, Pat Burke, has stepped in to lend a hand with the wider community response to the COVID-19 crisis.

They have donated £2,500 towards fruit boxes and meals for the most vulnerable in our community.

They have also sent goodies to frontline workers to say thank you for their efforts.

Pat said: "We are so disappointed our families could not go on holiday but we are hoping that we can rearrange them later in the year.

"The holiday parks at Wemyss Bay and Hunters Quay have been fantastic.

"We have to think of those working in hospitals, as well as social workers, the police and others at this time

"Our frontline workers are doing a brilliant job for families."

In recent weeks Children in Poverty has supported Belville Community Gardens' self-isolation box scheme by delivering fruit and meals.

They've teamed up with local fruit and veg company MVM as well as Wiltshire Foods to deliver vital packages.

The charity was also keen to show thanks to for frontline teams at the health centre, as well as care homes and Inverclyde Royal.

They delivered pizzas to the police station and those collection refuse.

Pat added: "All these people are helping the public and we want to say thanks."

Since setting up seven years ago Children in Poverty Inverclyde has raised more than £250,000 for struggling families.

They have teamed up with partners to offer holiday breaks and also organise Christmas toy appeals and send youngsters to a panto.