A WEM woman has helped a supermarket reach a significant milestone after being the 100,000th recipient of their volunteer home-delivery service.

The Midcounties Co-operative is marking the milestone just ten months after launching the service to supply essentials to the most vulnerable people in the community during the coronavirus crisis.

The delivery was made to 86-year-old Mary Langdown in Wem by local volunteer Helen Arrowsmith, who herself has made more than 1,000 home deliveries in the area.

Mrs Langdown has been shielding since the beginning of the pandemic and has relied on essential deliveries from the Co-op in Wem.

Workers there teamed up with local volunteers to offer the community service and together they have made more than 3,000 deliveries in the Shropshire area.

The service, which allows customers to make orders and payments by telephone, was launched at the start of April last year to support vulnerable people across its communities who were struggling to buy food and other basics because they were self-isolating and more than 1,000 volunteers and 75 community groups stepped up to make the deliveries from all of The Midcounties Co-operative's 225 food stores.

Phil Ponsonby, chief executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, said seeing 100,000 delivers completed was a 'remarkable achievement'.

"To go from a standing start to 100,000 home deliveries in just ten months is a remarkable achievement and I know this service has been a lifeline for our members and communities," said Mr Ponsonby.

"We were able to move quickly to launch the service when lockdown began and it will remain in place for everyone who needs it for as long as this crisis continues.

"In difficult times like this, some people need a little extra support and I'm so proud of all The Midcounties Co-operative's colleagues and our community volunteers who have been there for them.

"It's not just about making sure people get the essentials they need. It's about sharing a smile and a quick chat too.

"These are things that can mean so much to people who are feeling isolated and alone."

Throughout the pandemic, the Society has also raised more than £50,000 for over 70 local food banks, provided more than £40,000 worth of childcare support to NHS key workers, donated £5,000 worth of smartphones to help vulnerable people access support, and launched a £75,000 Community Restart Fund where charities and community groups could apply for emergency financial support.