Co-op stores launch green 'caring card' scheme for customers to become volunteers in Milton Keynes

It has produced stacks of green cards that shoppers can pick up in their local store and fill in their details.

They can then pop the card through the door of someone they know who is self-isolating in their community.

The project has already been a big hit elsewhere in the UK, with thousands of community volunteers coming forward to do everything from picking up shopping to just being on the end of the phone for a chat.

One Co-op assistant said: “We have seen so many people take one of these cards and become community volunteers. We are all facing challenges at this time but what really is nice to see is how people are also thinking of others.

“If you know someone who is self-isolating pick up one of these cards, fill it in and pop it through their letterbox – it could make all the difference.”

The green card scheme is the latest in a range of measures Central England Co-op has put in place to support its communities. These include new hygiene, safety and social distancing measures in its stores, an urgent food bank appeal and donations to charities.