WEYMOUTH'S Harbour Stores Londis shop has been keeping people's spirits up amid the coronavirus outbreak by delivering essential items to those in self-isolation.

The convenience store – based at Trinity Street near Brewers Quay – has been delivering food and drinks, as well as newspapers including the Dorset Echo.

With people urged to remain at home, we are grateful to newsagents who are providing a delivery service to residents in these difficult times, and every day we will be featuring one of our community champion newsagents to say a big 'thank you' on behalf of us and our readers.

Phil Cox and his wife Paula have been the owners of Harbour Stores for around 15 years and have a team of seven staff helping to provide the delivery service.

Mr Cox said: "We've mainly been delivering in the local area to people self-isolating, many of whom are elderly or vulnerable.

"Everyone's been extremely grateful - the staff have had lots of boxes of chocolates and cakes sent in, which is keeping spirits up.

"When people phone up we will literally be their personal shopper; we walk round with them on the 'phone so if anything is out of stock we can discuss it with them.

"A lot of the customers like that, if they're self isolating on their own we might be the only person they chat to that day.

"We pick the order while they're on the phone, add it all up for them, ring them back to take the card payment and we'll deliver it."

Mr Cox said care is taken to stick within social distancing rules while making the delivery, but that care is taken to make sure the customer is safe and well.

"We'll maybe have a couple of minutes chat to them on the doorstep if we've got time," he added.

"If there's one positive thing to come out of this, it's bringing the community together.

"People have been so grateful, it's fantastic to be able to help."

People living in the area of Harbour Stores who are self-isolating and would like to order a shopping delivery can call 01305 839000.