This Northampton shop is going above and beyond to support its community during the coronavirus crisis

The kind-hearted family behind a shop in Northampton are doing their best to support their community during the coronavirus crisis.

Best One on Weedon Road is offering free coffee to NHS staff and free deliveries for anyone who cannot get out to go shopping because of the pandemic.

The convenience store, set up by borough councillor Suresh Patel 40 years ago, is also keeping people updated on social media with the latest stock.

Suresh's son, Kunal, has also pledged to not raise any prices during this period and believes generally customers have been selfless in their spending.

"It's a bit of that old community spirit dating back to the war and street parties where everyone knew each other, I want to bring that back with everyone helping each other out.

"The world is a negative place, particularly at the minute, but I'm a positive person and I want to do my bit."

Stocks at supermarkets across Northampton have been drained by shoppers buying up essentials but Kunal and his family have been doing their best to keep the store filled.

He has been getting up at 3am to deal with deliveries and multiple visits to the wholesalers while his relatives respond to people on Facebook at all hours.

Regular customers have been coming in more, Kunal noted, but they are getting new business from all over, including Brixworth, Roade and even one woman from Birmingham desperate for baby milk.

"We live above the shop and have about six or seven hours at home a day, spending around 18 hours a day in the shop so the customers become your family," he said.

"When you don't see them you worry about them so that's why we thought, 'let's step it up,' and do deliveries, particularly for the elderly."

Kunal said they have always been community-focused at Best One but a recent trip to Tesco opened his eyes to the panic-buying, inspiring him to do more.

The shopkeeper has been busy delivering essentials including toilet rolls, medicine and fruit and vegetables to people around the town.

"I just want to give something back to my community. Some people just want some interaction and a two-minute catch-up," he said.