Coronovirus lockdown is costing Axminster Care Service between £600 and £800 a week – but that has not stopped them providing much-needed funding to local groups and good causes.

ACS is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year and since formation in 1986 it has raised tens of thousands of pounds to support numerous charities and local events as well as funding community services.

A significant percentage of these funds came from ACS's Togs Charity Shop in South Street, which is manned by a team of volunteers, most of whom are over 70 years-old. But they were forced to close the shop when the country went into lockdown. The charity also had to suspend its voluntary car service.

Long-serving trustee Mervyn Symes said: "We had no choice but we knew that it would hit us hard financially. But we have still been able to support the vulnerable in Axminster during these difficult times."

In recent weeks Axminster Care Service has donated £1,000 to Axminster Primary School to help feed vulnerable families, £1,000 for Axminster Churches Together for food parcels and £1,000 for the town's food bank.

Mr Symes continued: "We are looking forward to opening our charity shop as soon as we can and attract a few more volunteers so we can continue to support those in need in Axminster."

As well as making donations to a number of local organisations and events throughout the years, ACS also provides a car service to transport clients to hospital and doctor's appointments and has given financial assistance to local churches, the Job Centre, families in need, food banks, local schools and colleges, the centre for people with disabilities, the Scouts, heritage and arts centres, the local sports centre, bereavement counselling and the senior citizens' centre.

ACS gives away between £40,000 and £50,000 every year and in 2019 they pumped £90,000 into local good causes. Their funds come from the proceeds of the Togs Charity Shop and donations. They recently received £1,000 from the Rotary Club of Axminster.

The charity is run by ten trustees with Dr James Vann serving as chairman and Caroline Lavender as secretary.