HOLMES Chapel butcher Phil Davies was overwhelmed with the response to his search for community heroes during the coronavirus pandemic.

Phil wanted to do something to acknowledge the work of key workers such as teachers, refuse collectors, postmen or care home staff in helping to keep the community running.

He decided to ask the public to nominate their community heroes, and purchased vouchers from local businesses as a gift to them.

Phil’s wife Kate said: “Thank you so much to everyone for taking part in our search for local community heroes.

Knutsford Guardian:

Alison Wright, who was nominated for her voluntary work in the community, received a bouquet from The Bloom Room Cheshire

“We have been overwhelmed by the response and moved by the kindness of people working hard to help through this unsettling time.

“We can’t recognise everyone, but are very grateful for people taking time to let us know about the wonderful people in our community.”

The vouchers are for Don Alberto, The George and Dragon, Holmes Interiors, The Beer Emporium Bottle Bank and The Bloom Room Cheshire.

Kate added: “We also decided to treat a couple of people to coffee and cake at Costa when it reopens, treat the staff at Barclays Bank to biscuits and donate a family meal deal-barbecue pack to a special couple.

“While the last few weeks have been challenging for us as a team, we are truly grateful that we are able to continue to trade and provide a valuable service in our community.

“We are however exceptionally sad to have seen many of our business neighbours and friends have to close or have their businesses severely impacted by the lockdown.

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“We therefore approached five small businesses in the village to purchase gift vouchers to be spent when the current situation is relaxed and they are fully open and trading again.

“There are lots of people out there doing wonderful things, and we wanted to acknowledge them, promote community spirit and spread a little kindness.”

The people who received vouchers were acknowledged for their efforts in supporting the community, acts of kindness, volunteering, making scrubs and helping to lift spirits.