Kindness, helpful tips and community spirit: Day one of the Chron's coronavirus Facebook group

More than 200 people and businesses have joined the Chronicle & Echo's new Facebook group to bring the community together during the coronavirus outbreak.

'Coronavirus in Northampton | Latest news | Community hub | Useful contacts' has seen a variety of posts and discussions - from helpful advice to sharing supportive memes.

The first non-Chron post was from Marcus G Knight, who offered to bring supplies to the doorsteps of the elderly, the poorly or self-isolating individuals and families in Abington Park and the surrounding area.

Other kind posts included help for renters, tips to avoid anxiety about the pandemic and a guide on how to be considerate while shopping from Aldi.

Two of the most popular posts were about the wartime spirit.

Claire Lisa Smeathers shared a photograph of rationing during World War One, which showed how little people were given during another period of national crisis.

"This is food rationing during WW1 it wouldn't harm the supermarkets to take a leaf out of their book," she wrote.

"It's shocking to know how many selfish and greedy people there are out there not giving a thought about the edlerly and the most vulnerable.

"I try and do a weekly shop and I'm finding it difficult to buy what I require who thinks rationing needs to be put into place."

Another war-related post was about how our grandparents' generation were asked to go to war whereas we just need to stay indoors, adding: "You can do this."

Other handy posts include a story about the London underground reducing its service for commuters and a coronavirus fund announced for Home Bargains workers.

More sobering additions were the news that the Loft Cafe in Moulton both Frank's Hamburger Houses are closing for the time being.

As well as a nurse from Sheffield complaining about selfish shoppers and Dean Baverstock's photo of bare shelves in Farmfoods in Northampton.

"Seriously people please stop. Farmfoods in St James is completely empty. Please only buy what you need and leave the rest for others in need," he wrote.

"If we do go in to lockdown you will still be able to shop!!"

To join the group, visit facebook.com/groups/chroncoronavirus.