HUNDREDS of volunteers are on standby to help residents in South Oxfordshire as the county prepares to move to Tier 2 restrictions.

With more than 3,000 'acts of kindness' already completed, members of Abingdon Coronavirus community response (ACR) are ready to serve the town again.

The group, which was set up in spring, provides neighbour-to-neighbour help with shopping, collection of pharmacy prescriptions and friendly chats.

It is determined to ensure that noone is forgotten as lockdown lifts next week.

The pledge comes as the Government outlined the tiers that areas fall into as strict restrictions continue until the new year.

One of the group organisers Julie Kemp-Harper commented: "People feel a bit more prepared and supported as a result of the relationships that were built earlier in the year and better provision by supermarkets and other services.

"However, there is also much apprehension about managing over the winter and fresh hardships facing all ages, so we plan to carry on over the coming months."

To request help for yourself or a family member fill out a form on www.abingdoncommunityresponse.org