A LARKFIELD fruit and veg delivery service is enjoying a dramatic increase in custom as the COVID-19 lockdown continues.

Jordan O'Neill, owner of Inverclyde Home Fresh, has gone from delivering to around 15 to around 80 customers every day.

The entrepreneur, who set up the business two years ago, puts the boost down to people not being prepared to wait several weeks for a supermarket delivery.

He's rushed off his feet and feels bad for the elderly and vulnerable forced to cope alone in lockdown - but he's determined to keep people stocked up in this time of crisis.

Jordan, 26, said: "This is a last lifeline for people.

"People who can't get out and about at all can't wait for weeks for a supermarket delivery slot, so they're looking to local businesses.

"All the traffic from supermarkets is now going to local businesses, which is great.

"It's good to see people doing well but it's a horrible situation."

Jordan sold his house to start up the business two years ago.

He's now an expert on seasonal produce and is up and down to market six days a week, making sure he's stocked up and ready to deliver to doorsteps across the district.

Customers choose their produce on the Inverclyde Home Fresh website and Jordan lets them know the price on day of delivery.

Jordan adheres to COVID-19 health and safety regulations, knocking the door, leaving a wee dish to collect cash, and standing several steps back.

He operates across the full length of Inverclyde and beyond - from Kilmacolm down to Largs.

Jordan and the team are planning to add a list of essential items - like teabags and coffee - to their website so that people can order these too.

Jordan added: "It's been non-stop.

"I've been working from 2.30am until 10pm sometimes.

"I really hope that the new customers who have chosen to use the business will come back when things start to go back to normal."