A taxi firm in Seaham is offering free taxis for the elderly and vulnerable to supermarkets so they can stock up on essential items.
Hamlet Taxis, which is run by husband and wife Nicky and John Boyd, vowed to take their elderly or vulnerable customers to Asda in Byron place for the next 12 weeks.
Asda is opening the store early on Fridays to give the elderly, vulnerable and NHS workers time to shop away from other customers.
And for those worrying about getting there, Hamlets will take those in need to the shop every Friday for that window.
Nicky, 49, who has run the County Durham company for three-and-a-half years, said: "Asda is opening for the vulnerable and elderly and we can provide free taxis up there for them.
"On a Friday morning, we normally have school runs but the schools have all been closed down.
"We have wheelchair access vehicles which we normally use for care homes but they are all in lockdown now.
"We're just doing our bit, these people use us all year round so we just want to give something back."
Nicky said it's a "worrying" time at the moment especially for those most vulnerable.
She continued: "It's very worrying for a lot of people. We have a 93-year-old woman whose son lives in Cambridge.
"She lives on her own and is very mobile but just to get her out the house for an hour, that's all it takes, to get a big shop when people have been stockpiling is great for her.
"We only started last Friday and we took four down and four back."
For local businesses and those who are self-employed, it's also a worrying time.
Nicky added: "By the end, it's going to cost us all. My husband and I are both self-employed so it's a huge concern for us."
Hamlet Taxis posted on their Facebook page: "If you know someone that needs to get to Asda on a Friday during their opening hours for the elderly please let them know.
"Hamlet Taxis are here to help them to and from Asda every Friday as not all our elderly residents are computer friendly."
Anyone who needs help can get in touch with Hamlet Taxis on 0191 5811652.
Asda will be prioritising the vulnerable and NHS workers in larger stores every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am.
