STAFF from Northern Gas Networks are providing free care packages to vulnerable customers across the region.

The packages contain items such as pasta, tea and toilet rolls, plus puzzle books to help keep people entertained.

And information cards are also being distributed, with details of how to access further support or contact the company’s customer care team.

Emergency response engineers are checking during visits which customers are in need and the company is linking-up with charities, businesses and voluntary organisations to identify other potential beneficiaries.

Steve Dacre, Northern Gas Networks customer experience development manager, said: “Staying home as much as possible is saving lives, but it’s still a worry if by protecting others you can’t leave the house to buy the essentials you need.

“We have colleagues living and working at the heart of our communities. It makes good sense for us to mobilise our workforce to be able to deliver care packages to those who need them most, and to support our local charities so that they can do more.”