A Facebook group aiming to help Grantham get through the Coronavirus crisis has attracted thousands of members in barely a day.

Founder Jayne Elizabeth Robb, who works at Grantham College, started the Grantham Area Covid-19 support page at 8.30am yesterday (Sunday).

She told Nub News: "We starred this page at 8.30 am and within a couple of hours it had hundreds of members. We are hoping to provide information on supplies of key essentials in shops as well as coordinate need and offers of help."

Administrator Tracy Swann posted on the page: "This group was set up for people in Grantham to offer help to those vulnerable, ill or choosing to self isolate, during this uncertain time, not to gossip, bad mouth, scaremonger or shame any one.

"From now on, posts and comments of that are of that nature will be removed.

"Please, if you need any help, or advice on what to do, post your question, and hopefully someone will help you.

"Post if you can go get some shopping for someone, walk someone's dog, collect a parcel.

"Please also post any information you have on if you've seen a food/drink/baby/health item that you know is in short supply. There will be someone that needs it.

She added: "Please. Lets help each other. In a world where you can be anything, be kind."

By this morning more than 4,000 had joined the page, with it attracting many plaudits, as well as posts saying which stores had which items available.

Pensioner Christine Powell commented: "Such a great idea. I hope some good will come from setting the group up. Being over 70 and facing being forced to stay in even though I am generally fit and well is worrying. This is especially so if you don't have younger relatives near to help. Best wishes. Will be reading posts with interest."

However, one woman who posted wondered if the page would simply encourage panic buying.

Administrator Jo Franklin responded: "We are not directing people to shops for panic buying, we are giving information to those that are struggling to find items. There is a big difference in what you perceive to be the actions of this group, and what we are actually doing here."

Further information on Coronavirus, compiled by Nub news using official NHS and government sources can be found here.