Staff and customers at Dean Court retirement development in Bo’ness have been collecting food, toiletries and personal hygiene products to donate to those who have struggled during the pandemic.

The initiative at the development, operated by Bield Housing and Care, has been ongoing since March after one of the customers approached staff with an idea of how to support the Bo’ness community.

The Old Kirk Church in Bo’ness established its self as an emergency COVID-19 food bank called Bo’ness Community Pantry, with the Bo’ness & Blackness Community Response team. One of the customers at Dean Court has been delivering the contents donated to the Old Kirk every week.

Alison Lowe, development manager at Dean Court, said: “The amount of donations has exceeded our expectations and it has been staggering, which emphasises just how much our small town pulls together when times get tough. We wanted to implement the idea as soon as possible and it has grown from strength to strength since its inception.

“It has been a difficult few months for many, so if we can help out as a development - even in a small way, it might make someone’s life round the corner that little bit easier.

“The collection for the Old Kirk has been a vital way of make those at Dean Court feel as if they are coming together, and as a result are doing something positive for the community to benefit from.

“It is important to pull together as a community during these tough times and we are doing everything we can to keep Dean Court a happy and safe place at a stressful time for many.”